Gabriela Dabrowski, the top-ranked Canadian tennis player in all disciplines, revealed on Tuesday that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
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The 32-year-old athlete, third in the world in doubles, explained on Instagram that last year she felt a mass in her left breast. But it was in-depth tests carried out in April that revealed the diagnosis.
“I am right and I will be right. Early detection saves lives,” wrote the player from Ottawa, winner of the bronze medal in mixed doubles with Félix Auger-Aliassime in Paris, then champion of the WTA year-end tournament, with her partner Erin Routliffe.
“The results of the preliminary test are arriving on the same day (of my biopsy): cancer. “It is a word you never expect to hear and it turns your life, or that of a loved one, upside down in an instant,” Dabrowski continued.
DES TREATMENTS AMONG TOURNOIS
A US Open doubles champion with Routliffe last year, “Gaby” indicated she underwent two surgeries and then full treatment between tournaments this summer.
Two days before the Nottingham tournament, which was also reported, the Canadian was also unable to throw a ball to serve.
But she managed to finish the year on the “best possible note”: winning the WTA Finals, where the eight best teams of the year compete.
“Know that I am truly aware of my luck,” Dabrowski said. Many do not have the luxury of telling their story.”
“Shortly after my diagnosis, I feared that cancer would forever be a part of my identity. I don’t feel like that anymore. “I am privileged to be able to call myself a survivor.”
A sincere source
“If you see me smiling more in the wasteland in the last six months, it’s authentic,” he also wrote. This was not always the case. Although I tried to work on my activity during my years, with the help of specialists, cancer was the catalyst for more sustained change.
“As the fear of losing everything I’ve worked for my entire life became a real possibility, I began to truly appreciate everything I have. “A family and friends who love me, amazing coaches, a doubles partner who stayed by my side, a real team, access to health advisors and (the opportunity) to make a living playing.”
“I say to most people ‘fuck you,’ but also ‘thank you,'” Dabrowski concluded.
