Abby Bauleke, hailing from Savage, Minnesota, has made an indelible mark on the world of athletics. Once a young child battling leukemia and later paralyzed from the waist down, she defied the odds and became a two-time paralympic medalist. Her story is one of resilience and determination.
From Leukemia to Paralympic Glory - Abby Bauleke's Inspiring Story
Basketball: A Game that Transformed Her Life
Abby Bauleke vividly recalls how basketball changed her life. "Basketball has been a game-changer for me," she said. "It gave me a purpose and a sense of normalcy even in the face of adversity. Adapted athletics became my new passion, and basketball was at the heart of it all." She started playing basketball after completing her chemotherapy treatment and was initially skeptical about its possibilities. But with time and dedication, she became a force to be reckoned with.Her team's achievements in Tokyo and Paris are a testament to her skills and determination. "Winning those medals was a dream come true," she added. "It showed me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard."Medical Journey: From Leukemia to Paralysis
Bauleke's medical journey began when she was just four years old and diagnosed with leukemia. The initial months of chemotherapy were tough, but she showed remarkable strength. However, a few months into the treatment, she was paralyzed from the waist down. This was a major setback, but it didn't deter her. "Even when I was paralyzed, I never gave up on my dreams," she said. "I knew that I could still do something great with my life."She found solace in swimming and later discovered adapted athletics, which led her to basketball. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.Supporting Cancer Research: A Family's Legacy
Bauleke's aunt, Gail Dennison, who works at the Hormel Institute, has been a constant source of support. "She's always been an advocate for us," Dennison explained. "Even when she was a little girl, she knew the importance of fighting for a cause." The Hormel Institute has now established a dedicated children's research fund in honor of Karl Potach, who died from pediatric cancer.Dr. Chares Day, a senior scientist at the Hormel Institute, is working on pediatric brain tumors in conjunction with neurosurgeons and oncologists at Mayo Clinic. "Every gift, no matter how small, can make a difference," he said. "We are making progress, but there is still a long way to go."Bauleke hopes that the funding from this research will help other kids like her. "The more research that is done, the more hope there is for a better future," she said. "I want to be a role model for other kids and show them that they can overcome anything."The Hormel Institute is one of the organizations that benefits from funds raised at the Fifth District Eagles Cancer Telethon. As always, if there's a Kid With Courage Caitlin should know about, email her at kidswithcourage@kttc.com.Find stories like this and more in our apps.Copyright 2024 KTTC. All rights reserved.READ MORE