by Chaise Pfanstiel–Senior basketball player Lauren Hedlund has had to go up against more than her opponents lately. Hedlund’s mother was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.
On February 14, the team faced off against Dakota Wesleyan in Allee Gym. The young women decided the game was the perfect opportunity to bring awareness to Hedlund’s situation.
Sophomores Ella Wragge and Lily Vollertsen, designed t-shirts, crew necks, and hoodies to help fundraise. The clothing was white with a black and pink on the front, reading “Mustangs.” On the back the clothing read “Together We Fight.” The public had open access to purchase any items before the game if they were to be attending, or if they simply wanted to donate money to the Hedlund family.
“Making the design and organizing the fundraiser with the school was the least I could do. I can’t imagine what Lauren must be going through, so I am just trying to help where I can. Lauren is truly so strong, brave, and still one of the funniest people I know,” Wragge said.
Vollertsen added, “I wish I could do more. I love Lauren and so does the team. We just wanted to show her we support her no matter what.”
Before the start of the game, players could look out to the crowd and see all the support Lauren and her family had standing behind them. The bleachers were filled, and many people were wearing the t-shirts and hoodies from the website. What has helped Hedlund out the most during this time is being surrounded by friends and family.
“My team and school have been so supportive during this journey. Families worked with the school and my coaches to provide a fundraiser for my family. The team also wore the shirts as warmups for the game. On top of all that, the community also donated money and gifts to make a gift basket for my mom,” Hedlund said.
The strength and courage Lauren has is admirable, but her mother needs all the strength now. This is not the family’s first go at this either. Hedlund’s mom was diagnosed years back with breast cancer and was able to beat it.
“I was overwhelmed with the love and support my family and I received during this event. During the hard times you truly realize how gifted you are and to be surrounded by such a great school with such great people. I am beyond grateful for everything we revived that day,” Lauren said.
The future for the Hedlund family will involve moving her mother to Omaha full-time to be able to get the best treatment she can. For Lauren, she will continue out the season with the team, then hopes to graduate and move to Omaha to teach and be close to her mom and family.
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