A year ago Vanessa Amed underwent surgery for a brain tumor. Now she’s headed to Rio de Janeiro to watch the USA women’s soccer team compete for the gold.
Jonna Rodriguez was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago, and now she too is heading to the Olympics this Friday.
Meeting for the first time, the two women who beat cancer like champions will go with their families on a paid vacation to Rio, all thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“These guys are so sweet and have gone through so much,” volunteer and wish manager Jacquelyn Schneider said. “And make a wish is just so honored to grant their wishes and make them come true.”
“I got sick unexpectedly and that was a rough time,” Rodriguez said of her diagnosis. But now the cancer survivor, who has never been farther than Mexico, isn’t looking back. “I've never been more excited for anything,” she said. “It was probably the best decision I've ever made. I'm going to the Olympics on Friday.”
One year after surgery, Amed, who plays soccer herself, has no time for negativity. “I beat it so I’m good,” she said. The soccer fan found out about her trip at the Olympic Training Center. “My mom was actually keeping it a secret a long time,” she explained.
Amed and Rodriguez aren’t just looking forward to the trip of a lifetime; they’re looking forward to living healthy lives.
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The families leave on Friday and will get to spend about a week in Rio.
