2008 Woodie Awards
Swallow makes surprise visit to campus
Issue date: 5/11/07 Section: News
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"When Amy arrived, she was welcomed with an emotional reunion from her teammates," said Mike Pitts, SBU sports information director. "On January 10, Amy answered the phone and received the news that she had been diagnosed with malignant cancer. The doctor told her she had a 40 percent chance to survive the next five years. Amy, understandably, was devastated."
"It didn't really sink in until about a month later," said Swallow.
Swallow would be the first to tell you that she is not living her life in the rear view mirror. In fact, she's making big plans.
"I want to come back and play soccer here at SBU," said Swallow.
"At first, we were so upset with the news, and we weren't even thinking about whether or not she would play," said Wade. "We just assumed that she wouldn't return. But we began to realize that Amy might play SBU soccer again. I remember writing her an e-mail, with tears in my eyes. I told her that we would welcome her with open arms. She belongs here. Our girls need her. Amy has a great personality. She demands a lot of herself. Everyone likes her. When she returned to campus on Thursday night, it was heartwarming to see the reunion with the other girls."
"Should Amy return, it's going to be one giant emotional lift for our team," said Wade. "Just a great story. I can't even describe what it would mean. Amy's return could be a big part to a very special season."
When Swallow received the cancer news, she had many decisions to make. One of the most important and wisest decisions was her decision to let other people know what was going on. This decision, Swallow feels, really paid off.
"I'm at a point in my life where I don't hold back my situation from people," said Swallow. "I'm glad they want to know. The biggest support I have right now is my friends and family. They keep me going. The people at SBU have been great. They've shown love and support. I'm very grateful. This situation hasn't changed who I am. I have to live every day. I've learned to enjoy things more. But I'm the same. It happened, and I learned to live with it. I appreciate every moment more. I've had no problem opening up and letting other people know what's going on with me. I've always remembered what my mom told me: A problem shared is a problem halved."
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