Shaun White's Doc On The Secret To His Success, How He Helped Her Through Cancer
February 11, 2022
- The Bottom Line:
- Shaun White supports physiotherapist and good friend, Dr. Esther Lee through a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
- Lee worked with White for the past seven years and even lived with him during his months of preparation for the 2022 Winter Games.
- The two share many "heart to heart conversations about life."
- Lee says how grateful they are to be on this journey together.
- Source: People
While Shaun White's physiotherapist and good friend, Dr. Esther Lee, has supported him at the Olympic Games, he has supported her through a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Lee worked with White for the past seven years and even lived with him during his months of preparation for the 2022 Winter Games.
Lee says she's been "through the wringer," undergoing surgeries and treatment, which, she says, she's currently on an "intermission" from, just in time to accompany White to Beijing. Lee stresses the importance of rest and recovery, both mentally and physically, for every athlete she works with, especially White. His recovery begins as soon as he steps off the mountain and includes nightly ice baths and plenty of rest.
Lee occasionally needs wheelchair assistance at airports while on the road to snowboarding competitions and says that White will often carry her luggage or slow down to walk beside her so they can continue their "heart to heart conversations about life." Lee says, "I think what sets true champions apart. The mentality." Lee and Shaun both understand the mental strength it takes to be a champion. Lee and White think the world of each other and are grateful to be on this journey together.
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Source: People