‘I’m going to kick cancer’s (behind)’: Current president opens up about diagnosis
Soccer is taking a temporary backseat for Kansas City Current president Raven Jemison.
In a personal Instagram post, Jemison shared that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Hearing the words, ‘You have cancer’, brings you down to earth really quickly,” Jemison wrote. “Anger, frustration and sadness take over and as a ‘control enthusiast’, I find myself unable to control this ‘thing’, this ‘diagnosis’.
“BUT…I can control the way I approach what may be the toughest challenge I’ve had to date.
“I will take the necessary steps to PAUSE, heal, recover and listen to my body. The world won’t stop, but I’ll find solace in the fact that I’m blessed to have a support system that will allow ME to do so.
“I will REFLECT and sit in gratitude for all the ways people have shown and will continue to show up for me. The countless times I’ve heard, ‘whatever you need’, ‘we are here for you’, and ‘we gotchu’ has been soul-nourishing. I will also sit in gratitude for the privilege of access to world-class healthcare, while also being frustrated at how long we have to go to ensure the same level of care for everyone who needs it.
“In this time of healing, I will RE-INVEST in what my life will need to look like moving forward. Stress, de-prioritizing rest, hyper-focus on perfection and always ‘being the strong one’ does not serve me.
“All this said, if you know me, you know I’m going to kick cancer’s ass, respectfully.”
Jemison was hired by the Current 13 months ago. She had been executive vice president of business operations for the Milwaukee Bucks.
In the Instagram post, Jemison shared a photo with another message about when she was diagnosed (shortly before the season opener) and her plan to focus on her health.
“It is important to me that I remain transparent and open throughout this experience,” Jemison wrote. “I hope to encourage others to prioritize their health and reinforce the importance of scheduling regular mammograms.
“During my treatment, I will be taking time to focus on my health and am grateful for the support of our ownership group.
“In the meantime, keep the magic going and I’ll see you soon! #KCBABY.”
