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Freedom athlete faces cancer head on

JV basketball player tells her tale, urges caution to other kids

By Tommy Fleming | The News Herald

Published: January 8, 2009

MORGANTON — Hayley Dale is a cancer survivor.
She is also a Freedom High JV girls basketball player.
Now she wants to spread the word about her battle with cancer in hopes of helping others avoid pitfalls.
The freshman will be honored prior to the start of Tuesday varsity girls' basketball game versus Alexander-Central High in observance of the Lady Patriots' second annual Pink Zone fundraiser — an awareness in battling the fight against cancer.
"We are really excited to honor Hayley, a cancer survivor, prior to this year's game. Hayley is such a hard working young lady with a tremendous attitude," said Freedom head girls' basketball coach Amber Fox. "Hayley always has a smile on her face and the girls just love her. We are thankful that she is now healthy and a part of our program."
Dale was informed in March 2008 that she had melanoma — a skin cancer that is increasing astoundingly fast in young people.
Dale went to Charlotte for a three-hour surgery at Carolinas Medical Center in March and has three "battle" scars to show from her bravery.
"I healed in one week. I was only out for one week then I was back running track at Table Rock Middle School," said Dale.
"I had a couple of radiation shots but didn't have to undergo any chemo treatments."
The academic honor student was quick to acknowledge her extraordinary support group that made life much more tolerable during that difficult period.
"I have a great family support group. My mom (Julie), my dad (Tim), my sister (Holly), my brother (Elijah) along with my grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins were very supportive," added Dale.
"I also want to thank the Table Rock track team, the AAU basketball team and the traveling Lady Patriots basketball team members for their help and support during that rough span."
Hayley's father, Tim, said that her bout with cancer was very hard but the way Hayley handled it didn't surprise anyone who knows her. She tackled it head on though it was a very stressful time.
"I was amazed at how she approached and endured this. Her doctor in Charlotte remarked several times about her strength and bravery," said Tim Dale.
Hayley wants to let everyone know about the trials and adversity in life along with the alarming rate in which skin cancer is increasing in children.
"This happened to me for a reason and I want to share my experiences with other kids," Hayley said. "I am lucky it was not worse than it was — a three-hour surgery then back out practicing in a week."
Hayley also stressed the importance of staying out of tanning beds, to always wear sunscreen, stay strong and to keep a support group of family, friends and teammates close to you.
The Freedom girls' basketball team is asking all fans to wear pink to Tuesday's home basketball game and to participate in the various games night drawings and activities.
All proceeds will be donated to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.