LAFAYETTE, Colo. – It is time for the USA Rugby community to rally behind one of Team USA’s Olympians, a World Cup Eagle, a teammate, a partner, and a friend in Jillion Potter, who has been diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma.
Following her Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 campaign in France, Jillion took time away from rugby to receive care for the rare form of cancer. Over the course of six months, she underwent aggressive chemotherapy – all the while fitting in exercise and workouts – and eventually beat cancer to return to the Eagles. A year later, she was selected to Team USA’s Rio 2016 Rugby Sevens squad.
“Jillion has been more than just an ambassador for USA Rugby and the global game,” USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne said. “As we all know, she’s brave; a courageous teammate in and out of rugby and an inspiration to all.
“This latest development, though heartbreaking, is an opportunity for the community to again stand behind one of our own as she fights cancer a second time. Like she plays on the field, Jillion will give her all, and we will be there with her every step of the way.”
Jillion will be relocating to Houston, Texas, to seek treatment options for her latest bout with cancer. To support Jillion and partner Carol in this fight, please consider offering financial assistance via Jillion’s YouCaring page. The USA Rugby community was instrumental the last time around, raising a surplus of donations that allowed Jillion to successfully get through treatments and donate to The Sarcoma Foundation of America.
“Jillion has an army of USA Rugby fans,” Payne said. “Or, more appropriately, an army of Jillion Potter fans, of which I am one. I know I speak for the community when I say we’re standing right behind her.”