The most important and emotional tradition in the cancer treatment process is ringing the bell to signify the end of chemotherapy. Senior tennis player Anna Lassiter did not get to ring the bell, prompting Head Strength and Conditioning Coach John Delf-Montogmery to organize a surprise for her.
“I also felt so lucky to be at a place like Piedmont that truly cares about its students. I was also very thankful that something like this happened, as spreading awareness and normalizing conversations about cancer is so important,” said Lassiter.
Anna was diagnosed last spring with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after she began feeling fatigued during practice. She spent a month at Emory Hospital receiving treatment before her cancer went into remission. During this time, she missed her senior celebration in the spring and was unable to play in August of 2024.
“It was so meaningful to me because I never got to ring the bell after chemo, which was the thing I looked forward to every day and thought about every time I was getting chemo infusions,” said Lassiter.
Delf-Montgomery sent a message to every sports team at Piedmont, stating they would be surprising Lassiter in the weight room. He wanted as many athletes as possible to show their support.
“We did that ceremony for her because she mentioned that it was something that she didn’t do, and we wanted to make sure that got done,” said Delf-Montgomery.
Lassiter was told her team would be doing a yoga session in the weight room on Oct. 21. However, when she walked in, she was greeted by multiple friends, supporting staff and peers who were all waiting for her arrival.
Delf also gave an emotional speech about the trials and tribulations that she had gone through, explaining why ringing the bell in front of her Piedmont family was all the sweeter.
“We had over 250 athletes there to support her. Normally, that’s just her and her family, so it was a cool opportunity for her athletics family to do a cool event for her,” said Delf-Montgomery.
Lassiter acknowledges and understands the magnitude of the opportunity to ring the bell.
“I felt so lucky because I know how lucky I am to be in this position, as many people with AML don’t make it. Ringing the bell made me think of those people who weren’t as fortunate as me.”
Lassiter returned to the tennis court on Sept 6., and celebrated her senior day on Sept. 7 at the Piedmont Invitational. She is grateful to be back, and cherishes every moment on the court with her teammates and friends.
She will graduate in December, in a short three and a half years with a bachelor’s degree in history and government, and hopes to move to Atlanta and find a job in the government system.
“I know many people going through cancer feel alone and don’t feel seen, as cancer is a hard subject to talk about. Overall, I was so grateful to ring the bell like this to show to others that not only is cancer in young people a lot more common than people think, but so is surviving cancer.”
