Struggle as a Professional Sport

Written By Erica Neubert Campbell

The most inspiring stories are those of people who overcome incredible odds. I think about Simon Biles, who withdrew from the 2020 Olympics for mental health reasons and returned to win gold in 2024. Peyton Manning endured multiple surgeries after a career-ending neck injury in 2011, only to win the Superbowl five years later. Bethany Hamilton returned as a professional surfer after losing her arm in a shark attack.

Not only are these incredible inspiring stories of resilience and recovery, but their journey was visible and public. They had to put their lives on the line and be okay sharing the highs and lows, wins and losses. Their recovery inspired others to openly share about mental health, surgeries, and struggles.

We don’t need to be celebrities or professional athletes to inspire others. We just need to be willing to share, be vulnerable, and accept our wins and losses along the way.

Many everyday people who have been on similar journeys are helping others in their own ways. Whether you share your story with one person or one million, you are making a significant and impactful difference.

Erica Neubert Campbell

Erica Neubert Campbell is a writer and longtime cancer advocate who speaks the “language of cancer” from multiple perspectives. Erica is a breast cancer survivor who lost her mom to the same disease. She is the leader of the Pinky Swear Foundation, which supports kids with cancer and their families. And she spent nearly three decades volunteering at Camp Fantastic, a summer camp for children with cancer.

Erica is the founder of the Laundry Knob Society blog, where she shares honest writing about life’s struggles. In her debut memoir, The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, Erica creates vulnerable and trusting spaces as a way to create a community of support.

Learn more at www.ericaneubertcampbell.com

https://www.ericaneubertcampbell.com
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