Drake's Take: For Them

Welcome back Badger Fans!

Our team had a restful bye weekend and are ready to take on the Bemidji State Beavers this weekend in a two-game matchup.

The month of November is a month I have always held close to my heart. This month and all season I play for two people who were taken by cancer much too soon from my community.

Going to high school in the small town of Leland, Michigan showed me the impact of cancer first hand. This community is home to just over 2,000 people.

Leland is a special place, with the town being so small and the school K-12 everyone supported each other. I soon learned that Leland was one big family, and we supported each other no matter what.

Eighth grade was my first year at Leland Public School. Most kids had been going to school there since preschool, but they welcomed me with open arms. I'll never forget the first day I met Abby Gross, I remember her giant smile and the laugh that usually followed. She was full of kindness and made me feel welcome to my new environment.

Abby was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010 and passed away on May 7, 2015, at the age of 15. The loss of Abby impacted our entire community and more. It would never be the same without her in those hallways, and we will remember her forever as the bubbly girl full of joy. Abby's memory lives on today through a volleyball fundraiser hosted by Leland School known as Forever Dig Abby.

Another incredibly powerful person who was taken from us much too soon was a family friend Kristie Yaakoby. I became friends with her son, Ben, while playing youth hockey together and her daughter, Talia, from high school soccer. Kristie was the mother of four and showed us the true meaning of strength both physically and mentally.

Kristie Yaakoby was diagnosed first with lung cancer in November 2012 which spread to her bones and eventually her brain, she passed in November 2013.

Getting to know Ben and Talia showed me what a great mother she was and the impact she had on our community will last forever. Her memory lives on today through a triathlon called Tri-4 Kristie held every summer hosted by her daughter Talia. The triathlon is held in Leland and athletes from all over come to compete and support in Kristie's honor.

I was forced to learn at a young age how precious life truly is. This season and especially this month I play for Abby Gross and Kristie Yaakoby, I hold them close in my heart as we take on Bemidji State this weekend. They are forever missed.

As always, On Wisconsin!
Delaney

University of Wisconsin Athletics

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