Julia Dunbar, a freshman from Ohio, showcases story during ESPN’s Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Julia Dunbar, a freshman on the Siena College women’s tennis team, was recently featured on ESPN in a short video that detailed her successful battle with childhood cancer. The video was shown on the ESPN family of networks during Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research, a week dedicated to raising money for cancer research. The video can be viewed here.
“Julia embodies the type of student athlete that makes Siena special. Not only has she persevered through adversity and defeated cancer, but she has become a role model for so many young children who look up to her,” said John D’Argenio, director of athletics for Siena College. “Julia’s determination, strength and desire to give back to the community are traits that inspire those that know her and we are proud to have her as a member of the Siena community.”
Dunbar, of Westlake, Ohio, was diagnosed with a childhood kidney cancer known as Wilms’ Tumor when she was just over 1-year-old. As part of the treatment, she had one of her kidneys removed and underwent a protocol of chemotherapy and subsequent testing that continued for over a decade. Dunbar was declared cancer-free at 13-years-old and was entered into the High Five Club for cancer survivors at the Cleveland Clinic.
In high school, Dunbar established Critters for Comfort, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting thousands of stuffed animals for young children with cancer. In addition to being a member of the Siena women’s tennis team, Dunbar mentors special need students and encourages them to embrace mental and physical health and wellness.
About Siena Athletics
Siena College is a learning community advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education, rooted in its identity as a Franciscan and Catholic institution. The College is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and supports 18 sports that compete at the NCAA Division I level. Visit www.SienaSaints.com for all the latest news, information and results for Siena athletics.