Shaun White and his physical therapist have been through a lot together. Back in 2020, when Shaun received word of Esther Lee’s cancer diagnosis, he “broke down” in tears. Despite her ill health, Lee was by White’s side during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The Olympic snowboarder has returned the favor by staying in touch with her even after retiring from the competitive sport. Shaun White recently shared an update about his therapist that has everyone sighing in relief.
Lee is a professional physical therapist and comes highly recommended. She has worked with legendary athletes like Serena Williams and Venus Williams, who swear by her expertise. Lee considers her clients her family, among the first people she called when she learned of the terminal disease.
Esther Lee’s Unbreakable Bond With Her Clients
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lee was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, and the doctors gave her a slim chance of survival. Her friends, family, and her clients were worried for her. But Lee defied all odds and fought her way to a remarkable recovery. The cancer was spreading to the liver, spine, and lymph nodes. She had to undergo surgery in 2020, where the doctor removed a grapefruit-sized tumor from her pancreas. Thereafter, she had to undergo regular chemotherapy and radiation therapy sessions. After three years of constant treatment and determination, Lee’s cancer is in remission.
White announced the happy news in an interview with People.com, saying, “She’s doing great and I’m so thrilled to be able to say that.” He added that the two long-time friends would soon meet for breakfast. White isn’t the only client to share this bond with her. The L.A based physical therapist also has a special relationship with the two Williams sisters. She started working with them in 2009 before meeting White. It was love at first sight for them, as Serena described her as “an amazingly sweet person.” Lee helped Serena make a successful comeback after the latter’s fatal pulmonary embolism. She later parted ways with the two sisters to move to Los Angeles and start a family. There, she met Shaun White, and the rest is history.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lee And White Stayed Together Through Thick and Thin
Lee revealed her bond with White in a documentary series ‘The Last Run’, saying, “I feel like he’s my little brother. We’ve gone through a lot”. Shaun described her as a “bundle of joy” and cursed God for giving her this disease. Shaun was going through a rough patch in his career before Lee. He stood at fourth rank at Sochi Games. But with Lee’s support, he rebounded to win the gold three times in a row.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When White competed for the last time at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, he was allowed to bring one person because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Lee was there beside him despite the threat to her own life. Indeed, everyone reading this will be glad to know she is doing fine.
Watch This Story: Gymnastics Saves 46-Year-Old 7x US Olympic Medalist in Her Ovarian Cancer Journey