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KEARNS, Utah — When it comes to dominant softball programs in the state, Kearns High isn't exactly at the top of the list. The Cougars haven't won a state championship and have made it to the postseason only once in the past five seasons. The junior varsity team isn't much different.
For freshman Harlie Valdez, however, playing in a Kearns High JV game is a big deal. In fact, it's a testament to resilience that the softball-loving Valdez is around at all.
Last month, Valdez and her family heard the word that allows them to think about the future after an almost two-year battle: Remission.
"The doctor actually used the word remission when she was in for her treatment Monday (Mar. 7)," said Gabe Valdez, Harlie's father.
Harlie, 14, was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, "an inflammation of muscles and skin when the body starts attacking itself," her father said. The diagnosis took awhile, though.
"It was so sad to see her deteriorate," Kearns coach Ken Isakson said. "I remember we had just come back from a tournament in Idaho (in 2014). She didn't make it to practice, and she called to say she was sick. She diminished so quick. She was in a wheelchair and feeding tube within weeks."
Once admitted to Primary Children's Hospital, Harlie had only occasional one-to-two day spells away from the facility for the better part of a year, a time Harlie said was "horrible, depressing." She was hooked to IVs and on a feeding tube for six months, and Gabe Valdez said she was his "110-pound newborn."
Gabe and Stephanie Valdez tried to keep up with Harlie's medical bills, and she now has a following of more than 20,000 people around the world, said Gina Szajnuk, co-founder of the Rare & Undiagnosed Network.
"She's a miracle child and a huge inspiration, not only to my three rare children, but to all children and athletes of all ages," Szajnuk said.
In fall, Harlie took a trip to Florida, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was part of a ceremony at a Utah Jazz game. Finally, though, she was well enough to try out for the Kearns softball team.
"She is a celebrity in the softball community and not because of her illness but because of her skill," Isakson said.
So good to see Harlie back on the softball field doing what she loves
Posted by Help For Harlie on Monday, March 14, 2016
Harlie's older sisters Aleshia and C'era played on Cougars varsity teams, and Harlie plans to follow that path.
"She's just an amazing kid," Isakson said. "She grew up around the program and is one amazing talent, a prodigy really — her baserunning, batting skills. Then she got sick, but she's an inspiration to have around."
During her first action as a junior varsity pitcher, Gabe Valdez proudly said varsity spectators stuck around to watch. Harlie said that, although she was "slow," "I'm not all the way back, but I'm getting there."
