Vanity Lewerissa has been playing for Standard again this season. She came over from Ajax. Earlier in her career she also defended the colors of the Rouches. She was having a good season in Belgium.
On January 18, Lewerissa received less good news. The 30-year-old soccer star was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I felt a lump myself. On Monday I went to the doctor and the day after straight to the hospital. On January 18 I was told that what I have in my chest is not good,” the Dutchman tells Sportweekend.
Lewerissa’s world was turned upside down. Standard’s stronghold is forced to put her career on hold to focus on her recovery. She is now undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy awaits her later.
“The side effects of the chemo can cause my hair to fall out. As a young girl that is very intense and that is also one of the first things that played in my head.”
“It is less difficult for me to have my breast amputated than for my hair to fall out. Then it is visible that I am sick.”
The Dutchman returned to her home port of Maastricht to focus on her healing in the presence of her parents, her 2 brothers and her niece.
“From the moment I knew I had breast cancer, they’ve been with me every day. They’re all holding out and they’re there for me.”
Lewerissa had to break the bad news at the club. Her 2 brothers went with her to encourage her.
Football remains the most important side issue in life and Lewerissa takes great care of it. Every Standard match, she stands on the sidelines to support her club.
“I hope to be back there someday and that is my goal in this trajectory, but my health is the most important. First heal and hopefully then I can be back on the field.”
“As an athlete you always want to win and I am now also going to fight. Even with setbacks I will win this battle. In a few months I hope to be healed.”
