Jaquelyn Bradshaw: Pickleball helped her beat cancer.
At age 28, Jaquelyn Bradshaw transformed pickleball from a hobby into a life's motivation: overcoming a rare form of leukemia, going into remission after a year, and competing professionally from 2022.
One day after a round of chemotherapy, Jaquelyn Bradshaw still laced up her shoes to compete in a pickleball tournament. That moment against the sun encapsulated her entire journey: transforming what was once just a hobby into an anchor that helped her overcome a rare form of leukemia, before being declared remission and becoming a professional athlete in 2022.
The turning point in a battle journey.
At age 22, just eight months after taking up pickleball, Bradshaw was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. “There were times I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s it. I’ll never play again, I’m not going to survive this,’” she recalled. Instead of giving up, she clung to the rhythm of the ball, the laughter, and the strokes – things that kept her alive, breathing, eating, and sleeping – it was all pickleball.
During her chemotherapy sessions, Bradshaw still went out whenever she could or sat in front of a screen watching instructional videos. That connection kept her body moving and her spirit from sinking into a void. A year later, Bradshaw was declared in remission – a milestone that opened a new chapter in her life.
Pickleball as a form of physical and mental therapy
“Pickleball not only makes me healthier but also gives me a reason to live. Besides being a cancer patient, I’m also a pickleball player,” Bradshaw said. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, physical activity can help improve survival rates, reduce the risk of recurrence, and boost morale – benefits Bradshaw feels acutely each day back on the court.
Her close friend Jim Gorndt – a former lymphoma survivor – attests: “Pickleball helps you forget about the treatments, reconnect with friends, relive the feeling of fighting, and enjoy every second on the court.” He recounts that Bradshaw participated in a tournament just one day after chemotherapy, a detail that demonstrates her extraordinary willpower.
The numbers speak for themselves.
- At age 22, Bradshaw was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, eight months after starting pickleball training.
- After 1 year: declared remission.
- 2022: Officially entered professional pickleball competition.
- At 28, I continue to be involved with the sport as a driving force in my life.
From fear to courage
Pickleball not only demands quick reflexes but also forces players to confront unexpected situations – much like how Bradshaw faced her illness. “This game helps train your ability to react quickly to unexpected things,” she shared. From a shy, introverted girl, Bradshaw gradually became confident, outgoing, and inspiring: “Before, I didn’t dare talk to anyone, I didn’t dare go far. Now I compete all over the country, make friends everywhere, and live every moment to the fullest, all thanks to pickleball.”
Message after the finish line
For Bradshaw, each play is a reminder that her body is still strong, and her mind can proactively choose how to react. “Be your own inspiration. No one’s journey is the same, so don’t sit around feeling sad – keep moving, that’s the only way to get through it,” she advises.
The spread of a sport
The appeal of pickleball lies not only in personal stories. Related articles show that at NEU, this sport created a huge impact, with physical education classes filling up within hours of registration opening.
From a cancer patient who once faced death, Jaquelyn Bradshaw rewrote her identity on the court: not just a survivor, but an athlete – one who lets the pickleball guide her, each stroke a step away from fear.
