College Volleyball Player tragically loses battle with aggressive cancer after 6-inch Tumor discovery
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Aliyah “Ali” Waldon, a college volleyball player at Mercer University, has passed away at the young age of 19 after battling an aggressive form of bone cancer. The talented athlete was a sophomore at the university and had been recognised for her exceptional skills by being named to the All-Southern Conference team following her freshman season.
In a heartbreaking announcement, the Mercer University women’s volleyball team disclosed Aliyah’s passing on a Sunday as a result of bone cancer. The team described her as a “tremendous teammate, daughter, and friend,” with a smile that could light up the court. They asked for thoughts and prayers for Ali’s family during this difficult time.
Originally from Odessa, Florida, Waldon joined the team in 2023 and quickly became a standout player, earning a spot on the All-Southern Conference team for her impressive performance in matches. Despite her diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer in her femur, Waldon continued to show immense strength and courage.
Local sources reported that Waldon had to sit out her entire sophomore season in 2024 to focus on her treatment for cancer. She underwent ongoing treatment back home in Florida while her teammates at Mercer wore shirts with the word “fight” and a yellow ribbon to show their unwavering support for her during her battle.
Waldon shared in an interview that she initially thought the pain in her hip was due to a minor injury, but an MRI revealed the devastating news of bone cancer. Her resilience and positive spirit inspired many as she faced this challenging journey with determination and grace.
Throughout her illness, Waldon’s mother, Julie Rodgers, kept friends, family, and supporters updated on her daughter’s progress through a GoFundMe page. Rodgers announced her daughter’s passing on a Sunday, expressing profound grief and remembering Ali as a beacon of joy, love, and laughter.
As the Mercer University community continues to mourn the loss of a promising young athlete, plans are being made for a celebration of life to honour Aliyah. Julie Rodgers requested that the public keep Ali’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, highlighting the impact Ali had on those around her.
The tragic loss of Aliyah Waldon serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her courage, perseverance, and positive attitude in the face of adversity have left a lasting impact on her teammates, friends, and the wider community. May her memory continue to inspire others to live with the same determination and spirit that she exemplified.