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Ayers Inspires Blue Devils; DWS to Host Pink Game
10/1/2016 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C.-- If you ask anyone in the collegiate sports world, they would tell you that the student-athletes—before anything else—are the role models and inspiration for the youth. But for Duke women's soccer, that just isn't the case. In fact, it is an eight-year-old named Emily Ayers that has captured the hearts and minds of girls more than twice her age.
Ayers was born with a rare blood disorder that prevented her body from fighting bacterial infections. Her love for soccer triumphed over initial setbacks, as doctors managed to protect her immune system through medical treatments thus allowing her to play. Over time however, her body began to produce pre-leukemic cells throughout her blood. It became apparent that Ayers would require an immediate bone marrow transplant, as she had developed myelodysplastic syndrome.
Ayers' parents quickly got in touch with the Duke Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, a program known around the world for its advancements in procedures and treatments. Following further evaluation, it was determined that Ayers had a perfect donor match from her older sister, Kendall.
It was shortly after that Ayers began a grueling pre-transplant regimen that included bone marrow aspirations, central line surgery and multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy before finally receiving her bone marrow cells. She would be confined within the transplant unit for 35 days, and would often be too ill to leave her bed.
Thankfully, she has since been released to an apartment in Durham where she can experience more freedom, even if just a little. For roughly 6-12 months, Ayers is required to remain in somewhat of an isolated state outside of her daily clinic visits to Duke. However, she has her focus set on the day that she can play soccer once again.
As a result of this experience, Ayers has started a foundation called The Em Strong Foundation. The sole purpose of the foundation is to raise money for the Duke Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program and the families of the children in which they treat.
It should also be noted that, as of today, Ayers has completed her journey of being cured. Although soccer is still out of reach physically due to fatigue and continued doctor visits, her uplifting spirit and attitude have inspired her biggest fans on the Duke women's team and will serve as the foundation of their efforts this fall.
Emily's father, Steve Ayers, could not be more appreciative of the opportunity the program has given his daughter. “She is looking forward to kicking the ball again with her friends and coach Robbie [Church] at the Duke soccer camp,” he said. When asked about the relationship between the team and his daughter, he responded with a simple, yet powerful message. “Emily is Duke women's soccer's biggest fan.”
Ayers will be an honorary captain for Sunday's game against Syracuse at 1 p.m., as the team participates in their annual “Pink Game.” Duke will wear pink uniforms and will be raising money to go towards the Em Strong Foundation. There will be a silent auction prior to and during the match to raise money for the foundation.
“Our program fell in love with Emily and her family from the first moment they joined us at the Duke Soccer School for Girls summer camp,” said Duke sophomore Abby Pyne. “We recognized what amazing people the Ayers family is and what huge fans they are. Though it was heartbreaking when we found out Emily was diagnosed with cancer, it brought her back to Duke to receive outstanding medical care and allowed us to grow even closer to her. The question isn't what we have done to help Emily out, it's what she has done for our program. She is the kindest, most optimistic, and caring girl and inspires us daily to be the best people and athletes we can be and to always be grateful for what we have.”
Silent auction items (set up on visitor bench side across from restrooms)
Pink jerseys of all the Duke players
Team Autographed posters
Team Autographed soccer balls
4 Countdown to Craziness Tickets for men's basketball
4 Duke football tickets vs. Army
#GoDuke
Ayers was born with a rare blood disorder that prevented her body from fighting bacterial infections. Her love for soccer triumphed over initial setbacks, as doctors managed to protect her immune system through medical treatments thus allowing her to play. Over time however, her body began to produce pre-leukemic cells throughout her blood. It became apparent that Ayers would require an immediate bone marrow transplant, as she had developed myelodysplastic syndrome.
Ayers' parents quickly got in touch with the Duke Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, a program known around the world for its advancements in procedures and treatments. Following further evaluation, it was determined that Ayers had a perfect donor match from her older sister, Kendall.
It was shortly after that Ayers began a grueling pre-transplant regimen that included bone marrow aspirations, central line surgery and multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy before finally receiving her bone marrow cells. She would be confined within the transplant unit for 35 days, and would often be too ill to leave her bed.
Thankfully, she has since been released to an apartment in Durham where she can experience more freedom, even if just a little. For roughly 6-12 months, Ayers is required to remain in somewhat of an isolated state outside of her daily clinic visits to Duke. However, she has her focus set on the day that she can play soccer once again.
As a result of this experience, Ayers has started a foundation called The Em Strong Foundation. The sole purpose of the foundation is to raise money for the Duke Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program and the families of the children in which they treat.
It should also be noted that, as of today, Ayers has completed her journey of being cured. Although soccer is still out of reach physically due to fatigue and continued doctor visits, her uplifting spirit and attitude have inspired her biggest fans on the Duke women's team and will serve as the foundation of their efforts this fall.
Emily's father, Steve Ayers, could not be more appreciative of the opportunity the program has given his daughter. “She is looking forward to kicking the ball again with her friends and coach Robbie [Church] at the Duke soccer camp,” he said. When asked about the relationship between the team and his daughter, he responded with a simple, yet powerful message. “Emily is Duke women's soccer's biggest fan.”
Ayers will be an honorary captain for Sunday's game against Syracuse at 1 p.m., as the team participates in their annual “Pink Game.” Duke will wear pink uniforms and will be raising money to go towards the Em Strong Foundation. There will be a silent auction prior to and during the match to raise money for the foundation.
“Our program fell in love with Emily and her family from the first moment they joined us at the Duke Soccer School for Girls summer camp,” said Duke sophomore Abby Pyne. “We recognized what amazing people the Ayers family is and what huge fans they are. Though it was heartbreaking when we found out Emily was diagnosed with cancer, it brought her back to Duke to receive outstanding medical care and allowed us to grow even closer to her. The question isn't what we have done to help Emily out, it's what she has done for our program. She is the kindest, most optimistic, and caring girl and inspires us daily to be the best people and athletes we can be and to always be grateful for what we have.”
Silent auction items (set up on visitor bench side across from restrooms)
Pink jerseys of all the Duke players
Team Autographed posters
Team Autographed soccer balls
4 Countdown to Craziness Tickets for men's basketball
4 Duke football tickets vs. Army
#GoDuke
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