Tiana Mangakahia — an honorable mention All-American point guard at Syracuse — announced Monday she was ready to begin treatment in a fight against breast cancer after being diagnosed with the disease June 18.
MORE ON MANGAKAHIA: "I will come out stronger"
She wrote a letter on the Syracuse website titled,
"Even though this is devastating news, I am so grateful to be surrounded by so much love and support from my 'Cuse family and staff. I've got a tremendous support system surrounding me, including Coach Q, Trishton Jackson, Miss Shandrist [Hillsman], Olivia Coiro, Oliver Haney, Sue Cornelius Edson, Dr. [James] Tucker, John Wildhack, Sandy Brondello, the Australian National Team staff, my amazing parents and brothers who have been waking up in the middle of the night to speak with me and my team of doctors. This is beatable and I will fight and win."
Mangakahia posted the news on Twitter and that led to an outpouring of support that went well beyond the Syracuse family.
Recently I've been diagnosed with breast cancer. As I get ready to begin treatment this week, I would like to share my story. Thank you everyone for all the support I've already received. For more about my diagnosis, click the link below. |
— Tiana Mangakahia (@Tianamanga)
Many former and current NCAA student-athletes, coaches, on-court rivals and fans showed their love for Mangakahia under the hashtag #ToughforT.
There is no one tougher than T.
— 'Cuse Women's Hoops (@CuseWBB)
We appreciate all the support on her behalf and we know how hard she’ll fight this. | 💕
Tiana is an incredible person, remarkable student-athlete and great competitor. I have no doubt she will tackle this battle with the same grit, determination and optimism she shows every day. The family will do everything we can to support her in this fight.
— John Wildhack (@WildhackJ)
We with you T!!! Every step of the way u know we got you! You family and family is always there for each other! We going to get through it together!
— Eric Devendorf (@edeven23)
Stay strong T! And when you don’t, we got you! 💕💕
— Amaya (@AmayaFinklea)
One ‘Cuse athlete to another. You got this. Prayers up 🙏
— Allie Munroe (@AllieMunroe3)
An inspiring person who will win this fight because of her strong will and courage. The power of is amazingly powerful and it is firmly behind you . We love you.
— Sue Cornelius Edson (@sedson24)
To all of my followers with a heart and who love basketball. Do me a huge favor and throw assist by pouring love and support into her as she battles breast cancer.
— Delisha Milton-Jones (@DelishaMJones)
Tiana's one of the most enjoyable players I've ever covered. While shocking news, I know she'll attack this with the same attitude she does everything else. There's a reason WBB every Feb, it's so people like can win this fight.
— Brian Higgins (@BrianHigginsSU)
. has been a Godsend for the program. Here’s hoping we can all return the favor and support her so she kick cancer’s butt too. 🙏
— Matt Park (@MattPark1)
We are all with you, Tiana!
— Dino Babers (@CoachBabersCuse)
This entire city is behind you! Prayers and so much strength sent your way!! 🍊💙🏀
— Stephanie Lynne (@CUSEblonde24)
I think cancer made a mistake. I wouldn't pick a fight with T. Now is our time to assist HER!!
— Michael Loeb (@DocLoeb)
stands behind you in this fight | 💓
— ACC Women's Basketball (@accwbb)
Best wishes on a speedy recovery. The entire Miami basketball family has you in our thoughts. 🎀💪
— Canes Women's BBall (@CanesWBB)
, please show your support for . We are competitors on the court, but family off it.
— Louisville WBB (@UofLWBB)
Sending our love and support up north to ! | 💗
— Clemson Women's Basketball (@ClemsonWBB)
GOD IS ALL THINGS! Praying for your complete recovery!!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley)
Sending ❤️ and 🙏 to T and the family from
— Virginia Tech Women's Basketball (@HokiesWBB)
Incredible courage by an amazing student-athlete. Tiana, our thoughts and prayers of strength go out to you, your family and all at . All of us are behind you and we look forward to an incredible comeback story.
— Joanne P. McCallie (@CoachPDuke)
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Tiana and the entire Syracuse family. You aren't in this fight alone. |
— Wake Women's Hoops (@WakeWBB)
We are ALL fighting with you and !!
— GTWBB (@GTWBB)
Sending our love support and prayers and ! You are a fighter and you will come out even stronger! ❤️
— Boston College Women’s Basketball (@bc_wbb)
You are a true fighter . You got this! The Hoos send our love and support 🧡💙🧡💙
— Virginia Women's Basketball (@UVAWomensHoops)
I don’t think Cancer knows who it’s dealing with T💪Your strength, fight and resiliency are the qualities that make you the strong woman you are! It makes my heart smile to see all the love and support pouring your way! Love you❤️
— Tammi Reiss (@TReiss32)
Stay strong.
— Vanderbilt Women's Basketball (@VandyWBB)
We’re rooting for you.
One of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen. Lookout cancer! As part of your ACC family, we’re with you. ✊🏼
— Sue Semrau (@CoachSueFSU)
Sending our love and support your way ! We know you will beat this and can’t wait to see you on the court again. |
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_WBB)
Everyone please show your support for
— LaMont Russell (@LaMonster34)
We know what a fighter you are on the court and this will be no different!! All of us here with are with you during this fight!!
— Lance White (@Pitt_CoachWhite)
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