Madison Fleming, a senior at South Central, will always remember the specific day of June 21, 2023. It was on that day that she received the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia.

Fleming became aware that something was amiss while participating in girls basketball. She was looking forward to the summer workouts, especially with the addition of talented freshmen. The Falcons had high hopes for the season and their prediction was confirmed with a top seed in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A girls basketball playoffs. On Tuesday, South Central will host Scotland in the third round.

When Fleming received the news on that decisive day, she accepted that it was the end of her playing career. However, against all odds, Fleming not only continues to participate in practices and dress for the Falcons, but she has also appeared in eight games.

Initially, I didn’t believe it could happen. I had already assumed that I had played my final high school game,” she stated.

Something was wrong

Fleming, who stated she has never experienced a broken bone or insect sting, was known for her enthusiasm and hard work in the post during practice. However, her injury prevented her from doing so now.

Fleming shared, “I found it difficult to continue performing as I had been. Having a coach like Coach Duck means you strive to meet his high expectations, so I felt disappointed in myself.” They added, “My mom suggested we seek medical advice, which was not what I anticipated.”

Fleming experienced both muscle loss and hair loss as a result of undergoing chemotherapy.

She primarily takes classes through Pitt Community College’s online program, but even in a virtual setting, she had to withdraw from one course. There were days when her “chemo brain” impaired her ability to concentrate.

She expressed that the strength of these things often goes unnoticed. “I was unable to find a way to manage everything,” she stated.

But in December, her doctors delivered an amazing update – the cancer was already in remission. While she still needed to regain her strength, there was a chance she hadn’t played her final game after all.

On January 5th, she departed from the hospital.

This was the greatest comeback of her lifetime.

“I had recently gone through a difficult time being in the intensive care unit and other related matters, but I have now overcome that challenge and it couldn’t have been better timing,” stated Fleming.

I am extremely grateful.

Fleming attended sporting events. Gradually, she started to train. Eventually, she was given permission to change into her uniform. On occasion, she would warm up during games.

Next, she had the opportunity to participate.

“I was filled with awe, listening to the cheers from the crowd. From the start, everyone has shown tremendous support which has been immensely gratifying,” expressed Fleming.

While in the intensive care unit, she encountered individuals who had arrived earlier and were still facing a lengthy recovery. She missed out on half of her final year of high school and the majority of her senior sports season. Despite these setbacks, she remains thankful.

“I am incredibly grateful to have met individuals within the hospital and fellow patients. Unfortunately, not everyone is experiencing the same level of success with their treatments as I did,” stated Fleming. “Although I had some difficult times, I am reminded of the stories I have heard of individuals fighting for years without a positive outcome, whereas I only had to contend with six months.”

The distinguished women’s basketball coach at N.C. State, Kay Yow, who bravely fought against breast cancer, famously stated “When life knocks you down, make sure it’s in the direction of progress.”

Fleming is able to contribute to that.

“I had reached the peak of good health, but then I became a cancer survivor. Life is full of surprises. Sometimes things happen out of nowhere and we must adapt to them,” stated Fleming. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is, if you don’t adapt, you’ll either get stuck or move backwards. The key is to keep moving forward.”

Source: highschoolot.com