Fight Like Peggy
By Hailey Ohlsen | IG: @haileyohlsen // @fightwithhailey
On December 10th, 2023, a day like any other for many, became the day that shattered my world. In an instant, everything I knew was transformed. I entered a cold, dark, and somber hospital room where I had to bid farewell to my mother, my best friend, and my entire universe. The loss of my mom to breast cancer was a seismic event that forever altered the landscape of my life. The depth of the void left by her absence is immeasurable, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the impermanence of our time together.
My mom was very selfless and was fighting not for her but for her children to the very end, until her last breath. I never knew my mom was facing one of the toughest battles ever for 10 years. She would get treatments early in the morning, then go to work, and then go to all of our practices, games, and events. And every day she would fight with a smile. You wouldn’t have thought she was battling cancer.
When my phone rang and I saw it was my dad calling, I answered with a casual greeting, unaware of the life-altering news that awaited me on the other end. His voice, usually calm and composed, quivered as he struggled to find the right words. At that moment, I knew something was terribly wrong. My heart pounded in my chest as he delivered the devastating news—I could hardly believe the words he spoke. My mom, my rock, my source of strength and comfort, was battling breast cancer, and time was running out. The world seemed to stop spinning as the weight of his words settled over me. Emotions surged within me—fear, shock, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. But amidst the turmoil, one thought burned brightly in my mind: I had to be there for my mom. With every fiber of my being, I vowed to stand by her side, to offer her love, support, and unwavering strength in the days to come.
In the hushed confines of the hospital room, time seemed to slow to a crawl as I sat by my mother's bedside, holding her fragile hand in mine. The beeping of machines and the soft murmur of voices faded into the background, eclipsed by the weight of the moment. In those precious last moments together, there were no words—only tears, shared memories, and a love that transcended words. As I whispered my final goodbyes, I felt a bittersweet mixture of sorrow and gratitude wash over me, grateful for the chance to be with her until the very end, yet heartbroken to say goodbye to the woman who had given me everything.
My mom was my compass, my guiding star, the person I turned to for wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love. Her presence was a source of strength and stability, and her absence has left me feeling unmoored, navigating the complexities of grief and loss while striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy as a collegiate student-athlete. My mom had been my biggest supporter throughout my life, cheering me on at every game and tournament I had ever participated in. She was the one who taught me the value of hard work, determination, and resilience.
As a collegiate student-athlete, navigating this profound loss while balancing the demands of academic and athletic life has been an immense challenge. The weight of grief has at times felt unbearable, casting a shadow over my days and making it difficult to focus on my studies or perform at my best in practice and games. The emotions that accompany grief are complex and ever-changing. I've experienced profound sadness, anger, guilt, and profound loneliness. There have been moments of overwhelming despair when the pain of her loss felt too much to bear, and moments of disbelief when I've caught myself waiting for her to walk through the door, only to remember that she's gone. But amidst the darkness, I've also found moments of clarity, strength, and connection. The lessons I learned from my mom's strength, resilience, and courage in her battle with breast cancer have become my guiding light, inspiring me to persevere, to honor her memory, and to find meaning and purpose in my journey. Grief is a journey, a process of healing and learning to live with loss. It's not a linear path but a winding road filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. And while the pain of losing my mom will always be a part of me, I've learned to carry it with grace, courage, and love.
Every practice, every game, every hurdle I faced reminded me of the strength and courage my mom embodied throughout her life. She was my biggest supporter, and my cheerleader, and her memory became my driving force to push through the pain and continue pursuing my dreams. I've learned that adversity doesn't define us; it refines us. It tests our limits, challenges our resilience, and forces us to dig deep and discover the strength we never knew we had. It's not about avoiding the storms but learning to dance in the rain, embracing the challenges, and growing stronger through the struggle. Most importantly my mom taught me how to always keep fighting, to Fight like Peggy.
In the tapestry of life, each of us weaves a unique thread—a thread of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. And though our paths may be fraught with challenges and obstacles, it is the strength of our collective spirit that carries us through the darkest of times. I have felt the weight of despair, the sting of defeat, and the ache of longing. Yet, in the depths of my soul, I have also felt the gentle stirrings of hope, the fierce determination to persevere, and the boundless capacity to love.
Your struggles are not unnoticed, nor are they in vain. With every step you take, with every breath you draw, you are writing a story of courage and resilience that will inspire generations to come.
In the face of adversity, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose sight of the light that flickers within us all. But I implore you, do not let the darkness extinguish your flame. For within each of you burns a fire—a fire that cannot be quenched, a fire that illuminates even the bleakest of nights.
As you navigate the twists and turns of your journey, remember this: you are stronger than you know, braver than you believe, and more loved than you could ever imagine. And though the road ahead may be long and arduous, know that you do not walk it alone. You walk it hand in hand, heart to heart, with a community of warriors who stand beside you, ready to lift you up when you falter, to bolster you when you stumble, and to celebrate with you when you triumph.
Take heart and take courage. Know that you are cherished beyond measure and that your presence in this world is a gift—a gift that brings light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and love to the loveless.
Keep fighting your fight, embrace the journey, and know that every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to victory. Your story is powerful, your strength is inspiring, and your resilience is unstoppable. Take it moment by moment, day by day and always Fight like Peggy.
