Believe… 
in being a strong athelete
Darlene Bradford
In 2011 I found a little lump on my left leg. I made an appointment with my primary doctor, and I was sent home and told not to worry about it. Four months later, the lump grew from a grape-sized lump into a football. I had been to several doctors, and I was told that my muscle was aggravated and sent home with pain medication. I finally went to the ER in excruciating pain. I was to the point that I could no longer stand straight or use my leg. I was finally given an ultrasound where they detected a tumor. I was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the muscle.
I never wanted cancer to be my focus. I want to live life to the fullest. September 2021, I celebrated my 10-year remission from cancer. During my cancer journey, I was introduced to sled hockey, I now play goalie for the LA King Sled Hockey team. Even though I lost my leg, I don’t let that define me, and I continue to strive for the best in myself!
I went to the USA Woman’s/Para Development Camp to train hard so one day I can make a goalie position for the USA National team and represent our Country in the Paralympics. It’s been my dream to coach kids with disabilities, so I put my dream into action, and I recently received my USA Hockey Coaching Card #2. I thank God that I was introduced to sled hockey, it changed my life!
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