After severe back pain sent senior Joy Nwokyoe to the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with stage four carcinoma. 

Carcinoma forms on the epithelial tissue of the body and lines most body organs, internal passageways and skin. Nwokoye runs the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes for the track team and finished third at the district meet in 2022 under the guidance and coaching of Coach Detrion Taylor.

“To me, Joy represents perseverance,” Coach Taylor said. “Since transferring to Legacy from [Colleyville Heritage] her sophomore year, she’s battled hamstring injuries, a pandemic and new classmates. She worked hard to overcome her injuries.”

Nwokyoe received her diagnosis in Fort Worth but is currently being hospitalized at MD Anderson in Houston. Cross country and track coach Jeff Lindsey created multiple fundraisers to provide financial aid to the Nwokoye family. The fundraiser raised over $5,000 of the $20,000 goal in two days.

“I put together all the fundraisers because I knew we had to do something,” Coach Lindsey said. “Raising money for something like this is not something I’ve had to do before, so I figured the best way to go about it is get as many people informed about Joy’s condition as possible. I really wanted to help with the cost burden her family will undoubtedly endure.”

The diagnosis affected the track team as they have witnessed a friend and teammate go from healthy to fighting cancer within a matter of months. The team will honor Nwokoye and her determination this upcoming season.

“She is loved by the girls on the team and is a really bright light and a kind spirit,” Coach Lindsey said. “The team wants to help and they are praying for her. She has close friends who are being strong for her.”

If you would like to donate to Joy’s fundraiser, click here.