Jim Gazzolo column: Serving life-saving advice

It was perhaps the most meaningful serve in McNeese State volleyball history, though it didn’t affect the outcome.

Last Thursday the Cowgirls took on Southeastern Louisiana in their Dig Pink game to highlight October as breast cancer awareness month.

Paying tribute to all who have fought that battle, McNeese honored one of its own before the match.

The Cowgirls handed the ceremonial first serve to Pam LaFosse, a longtime member of the McNeese family and cancer survivor.

“It felt good to be recognized by the people you work with and for the work you have done,” LaFosse said.

To her credit, LaFosse hit her serve over the net.

Although LaFosse doesn’t talk about her story much, she has come to understand how powerful a voice she has when it comes to helping others.

“I don’t like the attention,” LaFosse said. “I like to work behind the scenes. However, I have learned I need to be more open and to be more of an advocate.

“Maybe my story can help somebody else. They need to know others have made it through.”

This is LaFosse’s 42nd year at McNeese, starting when she arrived at the school as a member of the women’s basketball team, earning four letters. She has spent the last 31 years in the sports information office serves as the assistant sports information director.

In 2001, her life took a drastic turn. Over the course of three months, LaFosse was diagnosed with cancer, first ovarian then breast. In 2010, she learned she had colon cancer.

Through it all she took on each challenge with determination and dignity.

“Pam has always fought back and never made herself out to be the victim,” said Bridget Martin, McNeese’s deputy athletic director. “I have nothing but huge respect for the way she has embraced and fought through every situation. She has been a help to others also going through such difficulties.”

LaFosse is used to telling the story of others and is uncomfortable when the spotlight is turned on her. However, she has come to realize it is more about those she might be able to help rather than looking for sympathy.

“When people hear the word cancer, too many still believe it is a death sentence,” LaFosse said. “It is scary, I know. I was scared at first. It is important that they know that’s not the case, that you can beat it.”

Cancer-free for the past 10 years, LaFosse is an example of that survival.

“I need to help others like people helped me, to help them in any way I can,” she said. “If that means getting my story out, then I have to do that.”

She has one main message for everyone: Don’t be afraid to test and find out. The best way to beat cancer she says is to find out early.

“I was lucky, I had early detections,” LaFosse said. “I know it can be frightening to find out, but if you catch it early that is the key. You can’t be afraid of the test results.

“And you have to understand there are a lot of people out there who have gone through it and are willing to help.”

People like herself who are willing to serve, either on or off the court.

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Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press . Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com