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"They thought it might just be a cyst," said Julie. "They said they'll do an ultrasound. drain it and it will be no big deal." That prognosis changed Aug. 21, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That news shocked But while the game of basket- ball has been very good to Julie. the game of life decided to be a iittle less accommodating last August. The 25-year-old was perform- ing a self-exam when she noticed a lump. She went to the University of Western Ontafio's health services to be examined, but with no family history of breast cancer the doc- tors didn't think there was any- thing to worry about. Her post-playing career also seemed to be set after she finished up a masters at the University of Western Ontario and was wrap- ping up her licensing to become a physiotherapist. It was natural pro- gressions for the gifted athlete to stay connected to sports in some way. "It was right up my alley," said Julie. "I wanted to do something in a sports-related field." She finished her playing career as one of the University of Water- Ioo's leading scorers in school his- tory. She was also an academic all- Canadian three times before grad- uating in 2005. We are family - Vikings basketball players come together to help one of' their own high-school championships. That good fortune, and her dominating physical play, helped Julie earn the Canadian lnteruni- versity Sports rookie of the year nod in 20012002 after winning three consecutive Waterloo County n the basketball (mm. Julie Oncvcnny's worst injuries playing for the Waterloo Warriors and the Waterloo Colle- giate Vikings were some bruised fingers and a sprained ankle or two. said they'll do an ultrasound, drain it and it will be no big deal. " - lulie Devenny on her surprise cancer diagnosis "They said it might just be a cyst. They BY Bun VRIIANM -(_1oprrtirlt Stall "Next on the schedule is a mas- tectomy in March and radiation some time after that," she said. "It's the whole kit and caboodle." Julie started her treatment right away and just wrapped up her first round of chemotherapy at the Grand River Cancer Care Centre last week. They're working on scheduling her surgery in the next couple of weeks before finishing with a round of radiation. While she waits, the 25-year-old is planning her post-recovery return to a profession that helps heal others while looking to con- tinue to heal herself. She's getting help in her fight from places like llopeSpring Cancer Support Cen- tre and from the friends she made while playing basketball. "lt was not a good time," admit- ted the soft-spoken former basket- ball star. struggling with the emo- tion of that memory. "But it's better now that we have a plan of action, and kind of know what the deal is." not only her, but the close-knit basketball sorority found in women's basketball. Former University of Waterloo basketball star Julie Devenny is battling breast cancer, and her teammates from her WCI Vikings days are holding a special alumni game in her honour on Family Day, Feb. 18. m moons" It staried"m the fall when lulie CITY NEWS iii pink for a game-day fundraiser in support of breast cancer. They had also used the same pink uniforms while participating in the earlier Fight to End Breast Cancer charity Some of Julie's old teammates from her WCI days are also step- ping up in a big way and holding a was one of the inspirations behind the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women's basketball dressing all in Julie Devenny Former WC I Viking star "We thought we should put together a basketball game because Julie was so involved in basketball, and it was such a big part of her life. Wk: thought it would be the best way to go about it, especially since she was such a dedicated Viking." "We still keep in contact with her and it was pretty scary when we heard," said Lindsay Kurt, a for- mer teammate of Julie's who is organizing the fundraiser along with another former Viking, Laura Strauss. "We thought we would try to do something for her. The new provincial holiday was a perfect time for a special game between the current WCSSAA bas- ketball champs and alumni of the team that has won 10 of the last 11 senior girls basketball titles. They still consider each other family, and thought it was only natural to celebrate it on a day that cele- brates all kinds of families. special fundraiser on Family Day, Feb. 18, in honour of one of the school's former female athletes of the year. It was also fmportant to raise STEVE BROOKS PHOTO WAf [CHLOO CHRONICLE . Wednesday. February 13, 2W8 . 3 "They've all been great," said Julie, about all the former coaches and players coming out. "People have been good about raising awareness. "Everybody seems to know each other in this little community." "My mom said if I can make one shift she'll be happy, it won't be very long." The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. and include a silent auction. For tickets call the school at 519-884- 9540, ext. 2627. lulie said she's been impressed by how the idea of a little alumni game has snowballed into some- thing that will support the fight against breast cancer. " hope to get on the court at least once, if my mother will let me," laughed Julie, whose family, including sister Lisa, another for- mer player, will also be out to sup- port her. "We'll see how long I can last. "The more you look into it the more you realize that only 15 per cent of cases involve people with a family history," said Julie. "That kind of blew me away, and I think helped raise the awareness for other people." And though it's been a while since she's been on the court, Julie said she’ll give it a try if she can. "it's important to become aware of it and know it can affect any- one." Julie said she was happy to meet with the current crop of Vikings and sharingher story. "They're young and they think it can't happen to them either," said Lindsay. who also helps coach the school's junior girls basketball team. "It's a good thing because they can put a face on it too. They've already done their part to raise awareness with the younger girls on the team these days, including Lindsay's younger sister Shelby. They invited lulie in to speak with the current crop of girls basketball players, and there wasn't a peep in the room. some awareness around the issue, especially since Julie was afflicted at such a young age. It gave all the other girls around her age a reason to pause and think about their own health. “II was kind of a wake-up call," said Lindsay. "lt was shocking because you never think it will happen to you or to anyone you know."