Paralympian Amy Conroy was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager, a disease that had previously taken the lives of her mother, uncle, and grandparents. At 32 years old, she aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer, highlighting its impact on young individuals and the often-overlooked implications on mental health.
Amy’s journey began with leg pain that hindered her ability to engage in sports and walk to school. Initially dismissed as growing pains or sports-related injuries, it took her father’s insistence on an X-ray to reveal the cancer that threatened her life at 13 years old.
Following the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, the cancer had spread to her lung and spine, leading to a challenging year of hospitalization and intense chemotherapy. The treatment culminated in the amputation of her left leg above the knee, causing both physical and mental struggles for Amy.
Despite feeling isolated and struggling with the mental toll of her experience, Amy found solace in her family’s support and eventually received the all-clear, allowing her to return home. However, she grappled with feelings of guilt and anxiety, fearing a recurrence of the cancer and the pressure of surviving when others had not.
Discovering wheelchair basketball at 15 brought a turning point for Amy, boosting her confidence and reshaping her perspective on disability. Through perseverance and support, she transitioned from feeling restricted to embracing new opportunities and challenging misconceptions.
Now a four-time Paralympian, Amy is focused on competing in the 2028 Games while also engaging in advocacy work and entrepreneurship. Together with her sister, Alice, she co-founded Squadgames, offering team-building events centered around wheelchair basketball.
Amy actively shares her story to raise awareness, particularly supporting Cancer Research UK for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. She emphasizes the importance of organizations like Cancer Research UK in advancing cancer research to save lives, expressing gratitude for their critical work in the field.