Lehi football team, community rally around senior with leukemia


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LEHI — Last Friday, the Lehi football team moved to 2-0 in Region 4 with a 28-23 win over Pleasant Grove.

But some games put football into perspective, and that was the case when the Pioneers (4-1, 2-0 Region 4) had a much bigger reason to play. The Pioneers unveiled a special play that the players drew up. Not a halfback pass, a double reverse or naked boot leg for a touchdown — but one so much bigger than football.

Last Friday’s play came well before the opening kickoff, when each player walked up to senior Shelbie Luce and handed her a single orange rose.

“I didn’t expect anything,” said Shelbie, who was diagnosed with leukemia in July. “I just thought I was coming to watch the game.

“This is amazing.”

Through an emotional pregame ceremony, halftime donation rally and student fundraiser, Shelbie fought back tears and marveled at the show of support from her community.

“She’s had so much support already,” said Braydon Carter, a junior class officer at Lehi High. “But to see Lehi come around like this and really support her and her family — I think it’s going to do a lot and mean something.”

Orange is the color of leukemia awareness, and Shelbie’s diagnosis has raised plenty of it in the tight-knit community in northern Utah County. Since her diagnosis, she’s undergone two rounds of chemotherapy — but her optimism and enthusiasm is still available in her smile.

Photo: Ben Schroeder, KSL TV
Photo: Ben Schroeder, KSL TV

“It struck me hard; it would strike anyone hard if one of their friends was diagnosed with leukemia or a form of cancer,” said senior linebacker Colton Carter, a close friend of Shelbie who helped organize the tribute. “Throughout the process of it all, I have used it as a motivation to play better and something to play for that drives me in my football games. So I have more drive than just playing for myself.”

Last week’s homecoming was extra special for Shelbie. She almost didn’t make the game because she was in the hospital. But two days before kickoff, she was released and made it for an extra special pregame ceremony.

But the game quickly became a special moment during a trying time. The Pioneers’ helmets were adorned with a sticker, #S4S or Strong For Shelbie, to symbolize their support all season for one of their own.

“We don’t know how long it will take for my counts to come up; it just depends on how my body responds and we came home earlier than we were expecting,” Shelbie said. “It’s a blessing, honestly.”

At halftime, Lehi students passed around several tin cans to raise money for the family in its fight against cancer. Fans and community members flooded the jar — with many donations even coming from Pleasant Grove’s sideline.

Many students don’t know Shelbie; she’s been taking online classes while undergoing treatment, and has two more rounds of chemotherapy before she hopes to return to school next semester.

“When we heard Shelbie needed support, we immediately started to think of things we could do, especially financially,” Lehi senior Makenna Fano said. “I am so happy that we can be a part of that to help Shelbie, especially as a community coming together. I am hoping we can help her in any way.”

Shelbie’s parents Kristie and Corey Luce have also felt the love and support of a town unwilling to let them shoulder the burden of cancer alone.

“The love that we’ve felt — the love and prayers — when her and I are in a hospital room where we can’t do anything,” Kristie Luce said while fighting back tears. “It’s just amazing.

“I think of all the things she’s missing out on. Then to be here tonight and to go to homecoming is awesome.”

Last week’s homecoming game brought together students, fans and alumni of Lehi High for more than just a football game.

“To Lehi, a football game is a football game,” Carter said. “But it’s about the community.”

The school raised $1,157 at the homecoming game. But more importantly, the Pioneers gave Shelbie a reminder — she is not going through her fight alone.

“I don’t know how I could do it without all the support I have,” Shelbie said. “It is so nice seeing all my friends and family rally around. It helps my attitude and helps me stay positive.”

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