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Delle Donne advises chronically ill students on overcoming hurdles

Katie Peikes
/
Delaware Public Media
Elena Delle Donne dribbles a basketball with some of the students

A camp for chronically ill children highlights ways they can stay in shape despite roadblocks created by their disease.

Former University of Delaware hoop star Elena Delle Donne stopped by First State School's camp in Wilmington Hospital Wednesday morning to tell students how she’s overcome the challenges presented by her battle with Lyme Disease.

The one-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist admitted it can be frustrating.

“It’s been difficult, you know, doing such an active sport and also having a disease that sometimes knocks you off your feet and has you in bed,” Delle Donne said. “For me the toughest times were when it knocked me down so hard that I couldn’t play.”

She told campers what helps her is setting small goals that eventually get her back onto the court.

Delle Donne did some basketball drills with the children, who use this camp to learn how to live healthy and be active despite chronic illnesses.

Since Delle Donne has won Olympic gold and WNBA MVP despite an ongoing battle with Lyme Disease, hearing from her is helpful for the children, Recreational Therapist Brittany Barnes said.

“For them, I think seeing what she’s overcome and how positive she is and struggling through an illness for as long as she has and still being able to just get up every day and smile and be grateful for the things that she has, I think she’s a terrific role model for them,” Barnes said. “I think they take a lot out of this and really appreciate everything that she does.”

Among those honing their dribbling skills and hand-eye coordination with Delle Donne was Que'bron Whalen, 9.  He has Chronic Kidney Disease and says he appreciates having a place to work on his game.

Credit Katie Peikes
/
Katie Peikes
Que'bron Whalen spins a basketball on his finger.

“It’s kind of good exercise for me and stuff and I just do good work for it,” Whalen said. “When I was two I wanted to play basketball.”

The First State School is one of three nationwide, educating children with illnesses that could prevent them from attending public school.