The Omnibus

Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: In the Spotlight

Sophomore Amy Swallow was diagnosed with malignant cancer during Christmas break. Money is being raised in her aid.

This spring semester, the Southwest Baptist University women's soccer team will be missing a key player. Sophomore Amy Swallow was unable to return to SBU in January because she was diagnosed with malignant cancer.
The attacking midfielder is from Gosport, England and came to SBU under Head Coach Ben Wade.
During her first year playing for SBU, Swallow tore her ACL and was unable to play during the spring season. Doctors said she would not be able to play again until October, but Swallow was starting on the soccer field in September, two weeks after healing.
"She's definitely a fighter," said Wade, "She's really champing it up. If anyone can beat this, it's her."
Doctors gave Swallow a 40 percent chance of surviving, but after surgery the doctors think they have removed all of the tumors. Swallow is now on medication, and the doctors will continue to run tests to monitor her recovery.
"After surgery, she seems to be back to her normal self," said junior Christina Swartz, "Emotionally, she's doing well."
The Student Athlete Activities Committee is raising money to buy Swallow a plane ticket to return to SBU during the spring semester to visit friends and collect her possessions. The cost of the plane ticket is about $500-$600, and the committee has raised $350. Students can help by putting money in the buckets located at Meller Dining Commons or Pike Auditorium during Chapel services. Any money that is raised above the cost of the plane ticket will go toward Swallow's treatments.
Each athletic team is also signing t-shirts that will be collected and made into a quilt for Swallow.
Students can continue to support and encourage Swallow by sending her messages on Facebook and praying for her and her family. If you would like to send a card to Swallow, you can leave it with Assistant Soccer Coach Amber Gwinn in the Athletic's Department.
"If we flood her with communication and encouragement, she will see that we are here for her," said Wade.
Swallow was a core player on the field, assisting and scoring winning goals in many games. Wade described Swallow as a quiet leader, well-liked by all and coachable.
"She can take on anybody," said Swartz. "She had the heart and mind to win. She will be hard to replace."

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