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From model Bianca Balti’s ovarian cancer diagnosis to hockey pro’s testicular cancer diagnosis, here’s what’s happening in the oncology space this week.
About ovarian cancer according to the American Cancer Society:
Bianca Balti, 40, a model in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, recently announced on Instagram that she received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after a visit to the hospital.
“Last Sunday, I checked myself into the ER to find out that my lower abdominal pain was stage 3C ovarian cancer,” she wrote on an Instagram post. "It’s been a week full of fear, pain and tears but mostly love, hope, laughter and strength.”
In late 2022, the model received a gene evaluation, which determined that she was a carrier for the BRCA1 gene, meaning she would have a 50% and 30% chance of receiving breast cancer and ovarian diagnoses, respectively, according to PEOPLE.
“Life happens; give it a reason,” Balti wrote. “So far, cancer has given me a chance to find beauty through life’s hurdles.
Dakota Joshua, the 28-year-old forward for the Vancouver Canucks, has received a diagnosis of testicular cancer, forcing him to miss the start of the team’s training camp, the National Hockey League has announced.
"This summer, I felt a lump on one of my testicles that doctors would later diagnose as testicular cancer,” Joshua said in a statement released by the Canucks and reported by NHL.com. “This news was obviously scary to hear, but thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. The last several weeks have been extremely challenging and I've been fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, teammates and doctors.
"Unfortunately, I will not be ready for the start of training camp as I continue to heal from surgery. I plan on returning to play as soon as possible this season and I am working hard every day [to] rejoin my teammates.”
Joshua in his statement also encouraged men to get checked regularly for testicular cancer.
Kevin Ulmer, head volleyball coach for Bemidji State University in Minnesota, died of cancer on Sept. 17 at the age of 41, the university has announced.
Ulmer had received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2021, according to The Bemidji Pioneer.
"We are heartbroken to lose our colleague, our coach, and our friend Kevin Ulmer," said Bemidji State Director of Athletics Britt Lauritsen in the university’s announcement. "… Kevin was a man of deep faith, of pure love for his family, of wholehearted dedication to his team and to Bemidji State Volleyball. The manner in which he lived will carry on in the lives of the women he has coached, and in all of us in the department, the community, and beyond who love and care about Kevin. It is a privilege, even in the midst of our grief, to carry on the light that burned so brightly in Kevin every day. We are sending all our love and light to Kate and their three beautiful daughters as they navigate this loss."
A GoFundMe crowdfunding page has been launched to help Ulmer’s family cover his medical expenses, the university noted in its announcement. Ulmer was the head coach of the Bemidji State University volleyball team for nine seasons.
Ulmer is survived by his wife and three children, according to The Bemidji Pioneer.
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