GPS Player Diagnosed with Leukemia

[DonCChatt]

I just read this article in www.chattanoogan.com about a GPS player recently diagnosed with Leukemia during her physical prior to starting school soccer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GPS Team, Local Soccer Community Rallying Around Palmer Griffin

Bruiser Junior Undergoing Cancer Treatments In Memphis

by Stan Crawley

posted September 1, 2006

 

"Because she can't ... we will!

 

That is the theme this fall for the GPS soccer team because one of their own, Palmer Griffin, is not able to be with them.

 

Griffin showed up for her preseason physical displaying no signs of illness. It was diagnosed on July 28 from that exam that her platelets were very low.

 

More tests were then taken and Griffin was diagnosed with leukemia, a rare type that required one year of treament -- not in Chattanoga -- but in Memphis at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

 

When Griffin left Chattanooga en route to Memphis, the entire Baylor soccer team greeted her with signs and cheers on Signal Mountain Road.

 

She was then given the same sendoff on the ramp leading to Veteran's Bridge by her teammates and coaches.

 

"Everybody was crying, it was so emotional,'' GPS coach Will Kessler said. "It hit us at that moment that she was not coming back any time soon.''

 

GPS players are weaaring either one or two yellow shoelaces as a tribute to Griffin. Her best friend, Josie Rix, is wearing Griffin's No. 13 jersey.

 

Displayed in the GPS locker-room is the sign: "Because she can't.''

 

We're trying not to overdo it, but we want the girls to remember when they are the most tired that Palmer would love to be here,'' Kessler said.

 

At the end of every practice, it has been traditional for the Bruisers to huddle for a final cheer. This year, that cheer is "We will!'

 

Consequently, the 2006 theme in honor of Griffin is "Because she can't, we will!''

 

"It has been great to see an ourpouring of care from the soccer community for Palmer,'' Kessler said. "Before we played Ooltewah, their captains came to me and asked if we could all join together to pray for Palmer.

 

"The entire soccer community is behind Palmer. It has been amazing.''

 

Kessler reports that Griffin has "good days and bad days.'' She is out of the hospital and in the hotel section of St. Jude.

 

"She is so positive and so upbeat,'' Kessler said. "She keeps saying that we'll take care of this and that she will be back.

 

"The amazing thing about Palmer is her resilience. She has been quite impressive.''

 

Flowers can not be send to Griffin, but e-mails (susangr@gps.edu) and letters (Palmer Griffin, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 North Lauderdale Stret, Memphis, TN, 38105-2794) are encouraged.

 

(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)

[Coniglio]

CCS wishes her a safe and speedy recovery!

[xqqqqme]

Wow. That is a really tough situation. Here's wishing her a speedy and complete recovery.

 

For those that wish to help, http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_91944.asp

[SergeantOwl22]

GOD Bless this girl!

[LadyOwls32]

Palmer is in Ooltewah's prayers this season. Hope to see you soon!

[KeeperFan15]

In all our prayers in Middle TN.

[adidas23]

i hope everything goes fine and works out great.

[Canesoverhere]

I cannot imagine how difficult tthis would be to deal with. Please take some time to read this. This may give you some guidance.

 

http://www.stjude.org/kids/0,2603,571_3934_16747,00.html