Orlando Pride midfielder Luana has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, the club announced Monday.
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Luana will start treatment immediatelyPlaced on season-ending injury listPlayed in three matches in 2024WHAT HAPPENED?
The NWSL side announced that Luana will begin chemotherapy treatment with the Orlando Health Cancer institute immediately. She has been placed on the season-ending injury list, as well.
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The Pride midfielder played in three matches this season, accumulating 192 minutes. For the Brazil national team, she has made 36 appearances, appearing at the 2023 FIFA World Cup her her nation.
In a statement from the NWSL side, the club wrote that they are in the battle together while wishing her well.
"On behalf of our Club, players, and the entire Orlando community, I want to extend our unwavering commitment to Luana as she begins her treatment. We are thankful to have some of the best medical resources available through our partners at Orlando Health, and we are prepared to do all we can to care for Luana in this moment,” said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. “We fight our battles together, on and off the field, and the Orlando Pride athletes and staff will be side-by-side with Luana and unified in our support of her throughout this process.”
WHAT LUANA HAS SAID
“As a professional athlete I have faced many challenges, on and off the field. I have always fought with courage and determination, and this time will be no different,” Luana said in a statement.
“I really appreciate the support of my family and friends who have strengthened me in this moment. I also want to thank Brazil’s National Team and Orlando Pride for their unconditional support. I kindly ask that my privacy be respected at this time."
GettyNEXT STEPS
Luana will start chemotherapy immediately with a team of medical professionals. Meanwhile, the Pride are due to return to action on Wednesday against the North Carolina Courage.