Cancer diagnosis separates twin sisters during historic soccer season
As competitive multisport athletes, twin sisters Alexis and Alissa Michaud were looking forward to this high school soccer season.
But everything changed in August when Alexis was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare malignant cancer that develops at the base of the skull or spine.
Alexis had to spend most of the fall in Pennsylvania for her treatment.
“We found Dr. Gardner in Pennsylvania. My parents called him, and they were like, ‘We think we have found 100% of it, so it would be good to come down here,’” Alexis said.
Alexis’ intense treatment meant Alissa would spend most of Maranacook High School’s soccer season without her best friend and parents.
“I'm going to be honest, there were times that I didn't want to play because it was hard to focus because my sister's been by my side ever since we've been born. So, it was definitely hard, but I knew I had to mentally prepare myself for it and be focused on soccer as much as I could,” Alissa said.
The team rallied around Alexis and Alissa, and it did not take long before the Black Bears became a state championship title contender.
“I was really excited for the season knowing that we had a good chance that (we could) go all the way, and then finding out that I couldn't play really upset me, but everyone was so supportive,” Alexis said.
Games were streamed online, so Alexis was able to watch them from Pennsylvania. When the playoffs arrived, she was able to return to Maine and was on the sidelines as the team won a state championship.
“It was really amazing knowing that I wasn't there for the regular-season games, but coming back and winning state champs was the best feeling for me,” Alexis said.
“It was just amazing knowing that she could be there with me during that whole thing and knowing that she could be a part of it, like, even though she couldn't play. Still, being there and being there with spirit and heart, it was amazing that she was there to support everyone,” Alissa said.
The state title was the first for the Maranacook High School girls’ soccer program.
Alexis returns to her doctor in December. If her tests come back clean, she will avoid radiation and is hopeful she can return to her normal activities.