A Mother’s Bravery in the Face of Metastatic Breast Cancer Taught Olympian Daughter What’s ‘Really Important in Life’

April Ross was just 19 years old when her mother, Margie, died from metastatic breast cancer. Now, the U.S. beach volleyball Olympic medalist is sharing Margie’s story in the hopes that her bravery and courage will inspire others.

In an interview with CURE®, Ross explained that seeing her mother’s dedication to her family, despite her diagnosis, helped put things into perspective and taught her what is truly important in life. Ultimately, it is this drive that helped Ross secure a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and continues to inspire her on and off the volleyball court.

Transcription:

It's tough doing what I do. And I feel ridiculous saying that a little bit, because it's beach volleyball, but competing for a spot at the Olympics and competing at the Olympics, there's a lot of pressure and it takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. And, you know, I think, seeing how dedicated my mom was to giving my sister and I opportunities and a normal childhood and the sacrifices she made and the courage she showed, and her bravery make it so much easier for me to draw inspiration from that and use that on the court.

You know, like, that's what my mom went through. I'm just playing beach volleyball, so I can step up and do these things on the court. So in a way, it keeps it in perspective. And like I said, it taught me what's really important in life, so it kind of eases that pressure a little bit (when) playing beach volleyball, which is really helpful.

But yeah, I think just those intrinsic things, those intangible things, you know, the spirit that she exhibited is what inspires me.

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