When midfielder Luana joined the Orlando Pride from Brazilian side Corinthians for the 2024 season, the expectation was that she would become a key cog in the midfield. What nobody could have expected was a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis that turned her world upside down in April last year.

Luana made just three appearances for the Pride in her debut season before the club announced her diagnosis. The soccer community as a whole rallied around her, and Luana was a welcome presence at the Pride training ground throughout her recovery process, whenever possible.

“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 after her diagnosis. “I really appreci

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