From Page 18 fear gene.” Let me backtrack for a moment for those of you who are unfamiliar with my nick- name “Hurricane” Helen. It was only fifteen years ago that I was honoured with that title and sonichow it has man- aged to stick all these years. I have lived up to my nickname to the fullest. It was 2 wild summer day in August 1987 in New York when I made my debut on the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA), my very first pro- fessional tournament as a pro. _» At the tender age of 17, embarked on a trip into a new. world, a new career and a new * life... - Ascrappy teenager, I played - four matches of pre-qualifying, four matches to qualify, and five matches in the main eveat . to become the youngest ran- “ner up in the history ofthe ’ Virginia Slims of Central New : York:Women’s Championship. After winning thirtcen matches in eleven days, I * became known as the “little engine that could.” My men- tality was“... think Fcan,J Tecan, I think I can... know I can, Tknow I can, | know Tan...” One month later 1 had i it _ “Tachieved a professional erlang in the top. ‘thirty pl Players in the world... he hurricine gained: more mentum. as my career pro- ed. Uheld a sa vines 7 vith a al . “oo slowly into the © ‘m y, semi-conscious depths After my first operation to remove a brain tumour, | con- tnued my involvement with tennis by assuming the role as National Women’s Tennis Coach. Tam also the Spokesperson for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, a motivational /inspirational speaker, a colour commentator tor TSN and a full ime BCRPA certified personal trainer. Tam driven by the strength of my will and I apply myself with full force in all that I do. This is best illustrated by the following account of my most recent ordeal: Friday, May 20, 2000: 4:45 a.m. — Iam at home, getting ready for my last show- er for a few days with that oh- so-lovely hospital issued sterile soap. Lather....rinse.. Jather...rinse. .. time really goes by so fast! Time to get dressed, because I am supposed to get to pre- adinin at...oh, RIGHT NOW! - Of course, I had over- looked the surgeon’s orders to remove my nail polish, so here T am frantcally trying to remove the silver-blue polish from my hands and toes (it has something to do with your cir- culation, so the nurses can sce if blood is reaching these extremities). In walks my anesthesiolo- gist. “Helio!” 1 greet him with — a cheerful smile. This is one . individual that you really want to befriend carly in operation, ._ chaps bring him a fruit bas- et or. rit N ' “No pain, I gain” t chuckle. . of oblivion... ; . Thirteen hours gp by. is all ri * watch TY, or just chat on the ing. Then I think Distant awareness, very cloudy cognitive process, where am 2 Oh T need a sip of water...water ...sleeeep! One hour later I feel grog- gy, very groggy, but slightly aware of my location, and I am enveloped in a blanket of safety and security. 1 made it! Where I made it to I have no idea, but who cares? I’m stil here. My eyes are swollen shut, I see so much, and I feel even more, I cherish cach moment because I know I could have lost so much, and yet I gained more that I could have ever imagined. Next stop on my journey is recovery. That’s.when the “lit- tle engine. that could” actually “did” and gets to roll smoothly down the other side of the hill. Pineapp!e, a natura} anti- esaionat makes a camco sarance at every meal to he p reduce the swelling. I have a protein-sich dict for cell reproduction, flowers and friends for venting. Of course, . for my soul I have a two pound box (almost a crate) of the finest Belgian chocolates. “It’s day five for me now and I will be at home in two more days, It’s time to listen to my body and say “Yeah, OK, it t to sit around and phone.” I feel great! In two weeks I - am going to begin radiation therapy, another new challenge for mc in this journey, but I will attack it when I get to thar stage. Right now, ¥ am enjoy- ing these chocolates and coa- templating a trip to Belgium! __ feel pity for any challenges “that dare to cross the path of Hurricane Helen. .. — To be continued. -- ene “you From chest thumping gorillas andj trumpeting elephants to rainbows of tropical 7 “fish, there's adventure all around you. : Valid only at Eater’ Centre, Metrotown. “Appeti toa: 1 maximum of $8.99. Coupon is valid with purchase of one adult entrée. Umit one coupon per table. No cash value.’ Not valid & : with ‘yy ster promotion. ‘Offer expires June 27, 2000, . 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