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PROVO — It has been a tough year for many of us, but for Tia Stokes, it’s been especially tough as the inspirational Utah mother fights cancer and takes on a new opponent in COVID-19.
Of all the lessons football players can learn from the gridiron, teamwork just might be at the top.
Especially for Timpview High School, where the players are learning what fighting and caring for each other is truly about.
It’s part of the reason why they wore “#TiasTribe” on their jerseys during a recent game.
“You can feel the love. You can feel the support, and it just makes you want to keep on fighting,” she said.
Stokes is back in the hospital. Not because her cancer got worse, but because she recently tested positive for COVID-19.
“I’ve just been trying to rest … a lot. I’ve been getting lots of platelets and blood transfusions while I’m at the hospital because my numbers are really low right now,” said Stokes. “I have no immune system, which makes it even scarier for COVID because I don’t really have anything to fight it off right now.”
Ever since the mother of five was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, she has shared her story on her social media pages. More than a million people are following her inspirational battle.
“I do it to document my journey, but I also do it because I know there are other people going through hard times,” she said. “Especially right now in our world.”
For Stokes, though, things just got harder because of her coronavirus test.
“I do my best to stay positive and I am a really positive person. I was raised that way, but it’s still hard,” said Stokes.
She also just found out her brother was a perfect match for bone marrow transplant to help her cancer battle.
Coronavirus is now getting her immediate attention.
“I believe in miracles, so I know that anything can happen,” she said. “We ask for prayers for our family.”
It’s just the latest opponent she has no doubt she will beat.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page* to help with medical costs.
*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
