Profile Edmonton » Meagan O’Neill - Edmonton magazine found on and around the University of Alberta, MacEwan College, NAIT, and Concordia campuses

Meagan O’Neill

Posted December 2, 2009 from December 2009

Profile

Program

Physical Education

Year

Favourite Food

Chicken Wings

Favourite Movie

Forrest Gump

Favourite TV Show

One Tree Hill

Ideal Super Power

Invisibility

Where most of your money goes

time with friends

Interview

Your story is incredible and inspiring. Tell me about your battle with cancer.

I started at MacEwan in September of 2007 and was then diagnosed with cancer in October. I went from finding out I had cancer and thinking I would only need a little bit of chemo and some radiation, to being a full-on inpatient at the hospital and having to drop out of school. It all happened really quickly and I didn’t have a lot of time to adjust.

How did your team take the news?

My mom came with me and held my hand as I told the team. She cried the entire time. I told everyone all the details from start to finish, and it wasn’t until I looked around and saw them all crying that I broke down. Seeing their reaction made me realize that they were like another family.

Wow, that must have been a tough thing to do. How did your team help you through the process?

Even though I obviously couldn’t play, the coach made sure I knew I was still a part of the team and he would visit me every Tuesday. A group of girls would come to visit me once or twice a week and bring me food and things to keep me busy. The team would also keep me up-to-date on the games by texting me the scores as soon as the game was over.

Was it difficult to have to miss out on volleyball?

It had its ups and downs for sure, but I never felt far removed from the team. They kept me close and that meant a lot. During the season, my coach would take my jersey and lay it on the bench, so it was like I was out there with them the whole year.

Looking back, what have you gained from this whole experience?

My best friends were on that team and they went through it with me. It’s amazing how being on a team with them and going through something so drastic could bring us so close together. They helped me through a lot of confidence issues too. I was on steroids leading to some weight gain, and the treatment left me shiny bald. They were by my side and made me feel okay with everything. I’ve met my best friends through volleyball and I wouldn’t change that for anything.