The Socialite recently had a chance to chat with Lisa Leslie, former WNBA player, about how she was Keeping Up and discuss some serious matters regarding the recent lost of her step-father to liver cancer, and some advice she has for those that might be suffering from the same type of cancer. Lisa Leslie is teaming with Covidien, a world leader in advanced energy-based surgical systems and solutions, to launch www.MyLiverCancerOptions.com, a new educational Web site which provides information to help patients and their families understand the treatment options available to manage liver cancer.
Leslie has helped us Keep Up on the court, as a mother, and now she has hit the road to help us Keep Up with Live Cancer.
The Socialite: Congrats on being a four-time Olympic Gold Medal winner and three-time WNBA most valuable player. You are such a positive role model for females all over the world. What did it feel like when you made your first dunk?
Lisa Leslie: Excited, especially because we were at home playing at the Staple Center.
The Socialite: I am aware that you have decided to retire from the WNBA, do you mind letting us know why?
Lisa Leslie: I wanted to leave the game while I was still able to contribute offensively, defensively, and block shots.
The Socialite: And do you see yourself having a role in the WNBA, such as coach, or on an executive level?
Lisa Leslie: You never know, I definitely hope to stay involved with women's pro basketball.
The Socialite: How do you feel about the popularity of women's sports; do you feel like it could ever reach the level of the NBA?
Lisa Leslie: We are always hoping to grow as a sport, and its been great because the product we have put out on the floor has been much improved every year; the players have gotten better and better. So hopefully one day we hope to have the fan base and following that the NBA has.
The Socialite: How did you balance being a world-class athlete and mother?
Lisa Leslie: I have a wonderful husband and family that is supportive, and will watch my baby when I have to work. But oftentimes, I pretty much work half days. I get up, lift weights, and work out. When I get back home, I get groceries, I cook dinner, clean, and put my baby to bed. So I enjoy doing all the motherly things that most moms do...just what working moms do.
The Socialite: I am sorry for the lost of your step father. I just lost my mother also. How long was your step father in your life?
Lisa Leslie: About 6 years
The Socialite: I know your father had liver cancer; are there any signs people should look for when it comes to live cancer?
Lisa Leslie: I can't say any specific signs, but once you are diagnosed, you can go to http://www.mylivercanceroptions.com/. With my step-father we didn't really have any options. I teamed up with Covidien, which is a health care company. http://www.mylivercanceroptions.com/ is where you can find out more information.
The Socialite: Are there any steps that your family and father took or did not take that may help other people with dealing with liver cancer?
Lisa Leslie: We didn't have any options. When he was diagnosed, he was gone in 3 months.
The Socialite: You have been traveling around to different hospitals nationwide to spread awareness; what have been the responses and what have you learned?
Lisa Leslie: I've learned that since 1975 the number of cases have tripled in the U.S. I also learned that more men are susceptible to having liver cancer, ages 55 and older. In addition, the myth that people who use alcohol and use drugs are more likely to get liver cancer is not true. Those people are at high risk, but they are not the only people that are susceptible to liver cancer. It can be environmental or things that you come in contact with because all of our blood pretty much flows threw our liver.
The Socialite: Is there any major events or fundraisers you want to let people know about?
Lisa Leslie: No, if they log on to the website, there is a lot of different things regarding health care and family where people can find out more information, if theirs things they need to do, and even contacting their local physicians.
The Socialite: I know that you have been very busy with this incentive, but is there anything else you have been working on?
Lisa Leslie: Trying to get the Lisa Leslie Basketball Academy off of the ground, and you can find out more information about that at http://www.lisaleslie9.com/
The Socialite: Is there anything else you would like people to know about liver cancer?
Lisa Leslie: I just encourage people who know of anyone that's struggling with the disease or has been diagnosed to visit the website, and find out what their options are before it is too late.
-Keep Up!
Posts
2 comments:
whoa..socialite...ur big time now, getting interviews with major athletes...jk..lisa leslie is such a wonderful role model... i remember when i played basketball for three yrs in highschool she was someone that was inspiring. its a shame that she is retiring, she was one of the few wnba celebs... btw loved the interview.
@daily: lol @ big time..Yes she is very inspiring! Thank you for the compliments :)
Post a Comment