Horizon sophomore battling back from life threatening disease

February 8th, 2010

By: Natalie Rivers

SCOTTSDALE – After receiving a diagnosis that she had hodgkin’s lymphoma Megan Oleno, a sophomore at Horizon High School, has shown not only her teammates, but a high school that with a little belief and some faith you can overcome anything.

The diagnoses in April of 2009 abruptly put a hold on Megan’s soccer career. For a girl who played on her high school team at Horizon and was right in the middle of club soccer games it was tough news to face. But after coming to grips with the reality of the situation she began chemo and radiation with the goal of sending the cancer into remission.

“I went through lots of emotions, but I had a lot of people there to support me,” she said.

Her boyfriend, best friend and family along with all her teammates were there for her during the three months of her chemo and fourteen days of radiation. In September of 2009 Megan’s doctor gave her the good news that she was cancer free. Three months later she returned to the soccer field.

“It felt so good to be back,” she said. “I was so pumped up to play again and to be back with my team.”

Megan’s Horizon soccer team clinched their region last week and has hopes on winning the 5A-II division. According to her coach Tim McKee, Megan’s successful battle with cancer might be the extra inspiration the team needs for a successful run at the state title.

“She just brings an entirely different level to this team because of the adversity that she has been through,” McKee said. “What she did and what she’s gone through build this team up.”

Four months after the cancer went into remission Megan is almost back to pre-cancer conditioning. She isn’t taking anything for granted in life and in the game she loves.

“In a way I am glad this happened cause I know I can get through anything and anyone can do it too,” she said.

Megan might have lost her hair to chemo but through it all she didn’t ever lose her spirit. Even as a sophomore Coach McKee said Megan is a leader for the team and they will be looking for her to lead them in the state soccer tournament going on right now.

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