Beyond the Battle: How Pickleball Enhances Life with Cancer

In 2019, Marty was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), a rare and serious cancer that develops in the body’s soft tissues, which support and connect organs. Her journey has been anything but easy. After enduring two surgeries, radiation, and rounds of chemotherapy that led to multiple hospitalizations, Marty celebrated being cancer-free for two years.

But her battle wasn’t over. When the cancer returned and metastasized, she enrolled in a clinical trial that lasted nearly a year but ultimately proved unsuccessful. In 2024, she faced an even more intense round of chemotherapy—grueling and painful—but she persevered with the strength of her family, friends, and pickleball community.

The Power of Community

One of the brightest examples of that community came when Marty’s pickleball friends hosted a birthday party for her at Ronnie Grandison Sports Academy. Dressed in dinosaur costumes, they filled the courts with laughter, joy, and support. Even though she was weak and in pain, Marty insisted on playing.

“I would get here when I could get here,” Marty shared. “The people here are why I kept coming back. They played very nicely and it was a lot of fun!”

Continuing the Fight

In January 2025, Marty returned to The James Cancer Diagnostic Center in Columbus, Ohio. This time, she was taken off chemo and placed on a new clinical trial—one she is still actively part of today.

“I'm the only one from The James on this cancer trial medication, and they’re excited that I’m still playing golf and pickleball,” Marty said with a smile. “I am the trial!”

Finding Joy on the Court

Marty has been playing pickleball for three years—two of them as a proud member at RGSA. She has already renewed her membership for next season and has no plans of slowing down.

“We laugh all of the time! Everybody's so friendly and nice; I like the people who work here, and I just love it here! I love the way RGSA does open play. I know that I can come every day and will have people to play with. Laughing and having fun is why I keep coming back. When we return after being gone in the summer, it feels like we’re back in school with our friends again. I look forward to getting back to my pickleball community.”

On the court, Marty loves to dink to her opponent’s backhand and smash it when she gets the chance. Off the court, she’s teaching her grandkids the game and inviting friends to join in the fun. Her advice to new players?

“Just have fun. Don’t be perfect. Laugh and enjoy the game and those you play with.”

An Inspiration Beyond the Game

Marty is still on her journey with cancer, but she continues to show up with a smile, laughter, and a paddle in hand. Through every challenge, she has demonstrated that pickleball is more than a game—it’s a source of hope, friendship, and resilience.

Marty, you inspire us all.