GREENSBORO, N.C. – Delaney Cumbie wasn't prepared.
"The news was shocking, upsetting, and certainly not what anyone wants to hear," said Cumbie, a UNC Greensboro (UNCG) junior kinesiology major. "I was in the car on the way home when my mom told me that my dad was diagnosed with leukemia. The news was broken to me gently and my parents were very calm when explaining how the cancer worked and what the plan of treatment was going to be which helped keep me calm.
"My parents also told us that the doctors caught it early and they were confident that they would get cancer back in remission which also helped keep our outlook on the situation positive."
That's why for Cumbie, this weekend's non-conference series against Longwood has significant meaning.
Longwood and UNCG will play a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 2 p.m. and a single game on Saturday at noon. That will be the Spartans' Cancer/Leukemia Awareness contest in which there will be a moment of silence for all those that have been lost to cancer before Saturday's game. CLICK HERE TO READ WEEKEND PREVIEW
Cumbie's thoughts will be with her father, Lee, who is recovering from a bone marrow transplant in February. Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.
Leukemia usually involves white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.
"It has certainly not been easy going through this season without my dad in the stands, but it makes me appreciate every day I get to be with friends and family," Cumbie said. "This situation motivates me because softball is what my dad and I have always done together. I want to be the best that I can be, not only for myself but for him."
His recovery has provided an extra layer of strength for Cumbie.
Following the transplant, Cumbie's father was in the hospital for 30 days. Once he was discharged from the hospital, he moved into an apartment for 60 days where doctors did clinical visits to monitor him and to make sure there wasn't any rejection of the transplant.
"Every member of my family, both immediate and extended, has been impacted by his diagnosis," Cumbie said. "His recovery is coming along well. He is 45 days post-transplant. Eating and exercising is still a challenge because he is very weak, and his taste buds are off from the chemo and medicines, but the doctors are very pleased with his body's response to the transplant."
Which is bigger than any of the 17 victories that the Spartan softball team currently has. Cumbie has learned plenty from watching her father's courageous battle and determined recovery. She smiles at the memories of practicing the sport with her parents in the backyard as a youngster.
"My parents have always supported me from being at all my games, taking me to my practices, games, and camps, buying me equipment, and so on," Cumbie said. "They have always encouraged me and been my rock throughout my softball career. My earliest memories are playing recreation ball with my sister and then tagging along with her when she started playing travel ball – little sis always follows big sis, at least when you have one like mine."
Faith and family are the foundation that has helped Cumbie and assured her that brighter days are ahead.
"First and foremost, I have learned that God is in control," Cumbie said. "My family and I relate back to Psalm 46:10 when we need to take a step back. Another thing that I have learned from this ongoing experience is that there are so many compassionate people out there that offer prayer and support. It encourages me to do the same for other people."
Her performances on the softball field this season have been inspiring.
Her six doubles are tied for the team lead. She has also hit five home runs. Cumbie is one of three Spartans who have scored at least 20 runs this season as her total of 22 are third on the team. During an 11-3 win over Elon, Cumbie singled, doubled, and homered.
"Having a game dedicated to bringing awareness to cancer, and specifically leukemia, means so much to me because it is a reminder that my family is not alone, and neither is any family going through a similar journey," Cumbie said. "By bringing awareness, we are rallying supporters who are helping us fight this battle. Awareness means we are not alone. It gives us the strength we need to keep fighting.
"I would like to give a big thank you to my softball family and friends. The prayers, support, and check-ins have meant a lot to me and my family."
