Heidi Peters. A young vibrant young woman that grew up in the community of Neerlandia,Alberta. Heidi went to school with my son Nathaniel. A class of 21 boys and 3 girls. Heidi had totally normal life growing up and hanging out with her classmates.
In the spring of grade 11, Heidi had bump on her left leg. After many doctors’ appointments and tests, Heidi was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. A type of cancer in the bone. Heidi ended up having to have her left leg amputated. A lot of chemo treatments came after the surgery. Treatments continued into her grade 12 year. Treatments were nearing the end by her grade 12 graduation. Heidi was able to celebrate with her friends for a short period of time. Chemo was starting up again the following week. She remained positive through the greatest battle of her life.
Heidi was one of the main players on the high school volleyball team. She was no longer able to play after her leg got amputated but remained one of the biggest cheerleaders for her team.
One would think this would make a young person depressed and crushed. I’m sure she had her tough moments, but whenever we saw Heidi, she was positive and always had a smile on her face. She very rarely complained about her new ‘life’.
Heidi did a lot of inspirational speaking in school, sports teams, youth groups, and I’m sure many more that we are unaware of.
Heidi did not let her leg amputation stop her from the love of volleyball. She joined the sitting volleyball team in Edmonton and was able to make the Canadian team.
Finding the sitting volleyball team has opened so many doors for her. She has competed in Europe, USA, Canada and was in the Paralympics in Brazil and is now in Japan. If you check out the Canadian sitting volleyball team, you will see Heidi play and see the inspiration she is to her teammates.
Heidi’s cancer is bittersweet. No one would ever wish to have a leg amputated and battle cancer. So many new doors have been opened for her.
Heidi is truly and inspiration to anyone who has met her!!
