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Bulls Find Inspiration In Special Teammate
11/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BUFFALO, NY – At first glance at the State University of New York, Buffalo volleyball roster #10 is listed as junior Akeila Lain from Fayetteville, GA. However, attend any home game this season and you will notice that the Bulls have another #10 on the bench, one that provides an inspirational and uplifting message not just for the Bulls, but everyone that is around 13-year old Savannah Harvey.
At a young age, Savannah was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor that originates in the part of the brain that is towards the back and the bottom, in the cerebellum.
Growing up in a volleyball family, Savannah found an escape with the sport that her father and brother grew up playing. Savannah's father Pete played volleyball at Springfield College and had a prior relationship with UB head coach Reed Sunahara. Her brother Noah also has volleyball experience, having played at Orchard Park High School.
"We are blessed to have such an incredible little girl as a teammate and a friend," said senior Liz Scott. "Every home match, I look forward to seeing Savannah run down from the bleachers and greet me with a big hug to start the night. When things get tense during the match, Savannah helps us to have fun and enjoy the game that we love."
Through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Savannah was able to be paired up with the UB volleyball team, joining the group in the middle of September. Since then, she has been at every home match, sitting on the bench and encouraging the Bulls.
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation's mission is to help improve the quality of life of children and their families battling pediatric brain tumors. Savannah and her family got involved with the organization after a trip to Camp Sunshine, a campgrounds in Maine that provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through various stages of their treatments.
"Savannah is an amazing young lady who has passion for life like I have never seen before," said freshman Niki Bozinoski. "Our routine timeout hugs and her beautiful smile keep my mindset positive regardless of the score. She is an inspiration to us all and is as much a member of this team as any of us."
For an individual that has endured as much as Savannah has in such a short time, the opportunity to be part of a team is something her mother Andrea says is heartwarming to watch.
"She looks forward to coming out to these matches so much," said Andrea. "At school it is difficult sometimes because she looks different than everyone else, but when she comes here she feels like she is part of the team."
The sentiment expressed by Savannah's family is shared by the Bulls, especially with Scott.
"Sitting with her throughout the match I noticed how much love she gives to everyone who passes her," said Scott. "She never misses an opportunity to give the team high fives or a quick hug during the timeout. Her love and energy is very contagious, we are lucky to have her as part of our program! I can't thank Savannah and her family enough for joining our team and being such a positive impact in our lives just by being themselves."
This February it will be 10 years since Savannah's diagnosis. She is currently in remission.
With the Bulls remaining home Thursday night against Akron, be sure to check out #10, she will most likely be the one on the bench with the biggest smile because she gets to watch and cheer on her teammates out on the court.
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