On July 10, 2015 Lily Whiteman was diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer, called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

A shock at first, but within a week Lily courageously began an intensive treatment regime -consisting of multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Over the following 8 months there were many difficult, and often horrible times for Lily and the family to deal with. But persistence pays off, and at the end of her treatment when the day came for a check in on her progress, the phenomenal news came – there is no detectable active cancer.

As one could imagine, this was an incredibly emotional day, a weight off Lily and her family’s shoulders and most importantly, a big swing in prognosis.

To keep the cancer away, Lily commenced 12 months of lower dose chemotherapy in March 2016, which involves a daily tablet and weekly IV at Royal Children’s Hospital.

The intensive chemotherapy drugs utilized in her initial treatment had damaged the nerves in Lily’s feet and legs, leaving her barely able to walk. It was projected the nerves would repair at a rate of a single millimeter per week - meaning a lengthy period of full recovery was ahead, especially whilst still on lower dose chemotherapy. After overcoming the first hurdle, this second call for strength would test even the most resilient.

With thanks to Director of Coaching, Alan McAughtry and the Diamond Valley Eagles, Lily had been selected into wonderful group of girls in the 16-3s in the 2015/16 season, coached by Simon Hickey, and was able to stay involved in the representative program.

Lily loves the sport and her friendship group, and Basketball was a place where those 2 things came together in the same environment. Motivated more than ever, Lily now had a goal !

Her focus now turned to her return, rather than the enormity of the numerous hurdles she’s had to face in recent times.

Lily attended every Eagles training session, game and tournament that she was physically able to do so, and bravely – even some she wasn’t.

Lily also competes in our Junior Domestic competition for her beloved Eltham North Jets. Her Jets teammates too had to go without their good friend and teammate whilst Lily concentrated on getting back to back to health.

Just a fortnight ago and beyond expectations, Lily made her on-court return for the Jets. She competed in her first Basketball game in some time, in the Spring 2016 Junior Domestic season.

‘I could not keep the smile off my face’, Lily said.

‘The cheers from my very supportive Jets teammates and Lily’s ever-encouraging coach, Rob Braddy, are testament to the enormous support that the Eltham North Jets Basketball Club have given Lily and our family’, Lily’s father Scott recalls.

‘Even players on the neighbouring court 1 – a game between Cougars and Yarrambat Under 16 Girls, joined in the cheer’.

With her ultimate goal of returning to representative basketball with the Diamond Valley Eagles one day, returning to Junior Domestic Basketball is a big step in the right direction. Lily has also begun extensive physiotherapy and personal training to strengthen her body and repair her legs, in readiness for the moment she achieves her next goal of taking the court on a Friday night. 

‘We will forever be in debt to the entire DV Basketball community. The Association, the Eagles and the Jets - for their support and purpose they have given Lily to help her through her ordeal’.

On behalf of the Diamond Valley Basketball community - we say welcome back, Lily !