Nobody can empathize with pain like Audrey Likovic. As an active part of the girl’s JV basketball team, Likovic has been diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer that attacks not only the blood but also the bone marrow in the patient’s body.

When diagnosed Likovic said, “At first, I didn’t want to believe it… It was more heartbreaking to see my family’s reaction. I have never seen them break down the way they did. When you’re a healthy girl who’s very athletic, you don’t want to believe you have leukemia. You have billions of questions running through your mind as to how or why? It’s very shocking and unrealistic. To this day I still don’t want to believe it, but I know this is all temporary. I know the right thing to do is to stay positive and try to overcome this because I know I have to stay strong for my family.”

About three weeks ago Instagram was flooded with hashtags that said “#prayforaudrey”, “#diploforaudrey”, or “#prayerscanmovemountains”. Students from all grade levels were sharing Likovic’s story trying to make sure her voice was heard.

Was it heard. A widely-known DJ, Diplo, held a concert in her honor and paid her a visit at the hospital.

Likovic said, “Oh man it was super great! He definitely put a smile to my face and brought me happiness. I was already blessed to be home for the holidays, but meeting him was just like the cherry on top. I knew I had a visitor but I  wasn’t sure who it was. Him coming to see me was surreal. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Many of Likovic’s teammates had nothing but nice things to say about her.

Senior teammate Rebeka Rosas said, “Audrey has made the JV team play harder. I think her impact on the team is noticeable, and I think it was something they needed.”

“She’s an amazing girl with so much talent and potential. I know she can get through this with everyone’s support.” said junior teammate Erika Aguilar.

Likovic says that as a Bel Air basketball player it is a blessing and pleasure to be a part of a family.

“We are all sisters. We pushed each other and we understood each other. I found a second family within them. I know I can always count on all the girl and the coaches with anything. I can’t wait to get back on the court with them,” Likovic said.

Another support is coach Manny Piñon.

“Our team is strong is strong for Audrey. Every game we play is held in her honor. “Audrey has this positive aura about her that brings the team together. It’s like her own unique superpower. It really is something special for the team itself,” Piñon said.  

Audrey says that no matter what, basketball is her passion and it the best sort of stress reliever that she has.  She still has a long road ahead of her.

“ I hope to recover quickly, healthy and stronger than ever. I learned to look at life differently. Getting leukemia is kind of a lesson learned because it makes you realize you should always put your health first and you shouldn’t take your life for granted. Wake up and be happy. Make your life worth living because you never know what might happen. I know that if I can get through this with all the prayers and my strength, I can get through anything life throws at me.”

By Giselle Morales