NWSL Clubs Breach Professional Barriers As Orlando Pride Star Gets Diagnosed With Hodgkin’s Lymphoma- “We’re With You”

Orlando Pride FC announced on Monday that their Brazilian midfielder Luana has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that affects one’s lymph, which is part of the immune system. The club’s statement added that Luana will begin chemotherapy treatment immediately. “I have always fought with courage and determination, and this time will be no different. I really appreciate the support of my family and friends who have strengthened me in this moment,” said Luana in the statement. Well, it’s not just her close ones that are supporting her now. The NWSL and soccer world including their on-field rivals have now come together to help her survive this tough time.

Luana Bertolucci Paixão only joined the NWSL this season after plying her trade in Brazil for the Corinthians. She has appeared in three games for the Pride this season. But it seems like Luana has always been part of the Orlando and NWSL family. “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,” Orlando Pride general manager Haley Carter said.

Thereafter, the Orlando GM added that the club’s health partner, Orlando Health would oversee Luana’s treatment. As per the most commonly employed treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Luana would have to take chemotherapy for two months to perhaps eight months. While she embarks on this advanced treatment, 10 rival NWSL clubs have joined forces to extend warm support to the Brazil international.

10 NWSL sides take to social media with profound support for Orlando Pride’s Luana

The Women’s Game’s Instagram handle has compiled various NWSL clubs’ messages to the recently diagnosed Luana. “More than a league, a community. Beautiful response from the NWSL community to the news of Orlando Pride’s Luana, who was just diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” the Instagram post said.

“Sending support and strength to Luana from Courage Country,” the North Carolina Courage wrote on X. The Pride faces the Courage on May 1 in their next NWSL meeting over the weekend.

“Sending love to Luana,” wrote Racing Louisville. Luana notably opened her NWSL campaign during a Louisville-Orlando tie.

“You got this Luana. We’re with you. Sending our love and support from Gotham FC,” the club tweeted. Meanwhile, the Portland Thorns mirrored Gotham FC’s warm words to wish Luana well.

Angel City FC, which drew against Luana’s Orlando Pride sent her support in her mother tongue. “Forca Luana. The ACFC community is with you,” Angel City wrote on X. Forca Luana means, ‘go Luana.’

Besides these clubs, the Seattle Reign, Bay FC, the Houston Dash, KC Current, and the Washington Spirit also took to their socials to send supportive messages to the Brazil international.