At the heart of a thrilling basketball game, the crowd rose to their feet, not just to cheer for their teams, but to honor Deanne Larsen, a brave fighter in her battle against breast cancer. With a sea of pink in the stands and a sense of unity, the night became a tribute to Deanne’s strength, resilience, and the power of community support.
On January 21st, Palisade High School’s Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams played some tough games against Grand Junction High School, both Bulldog teams taking the win over the Tigers. The night was filled with love in support of Deanne Larsen, as well as many others in their battle against breast cancer.
Deanne Larsen (Coach Dee) is a former basketball and volleyball coach, having coached many of our athletes who attend, or who have attended Palisade High School. The role that Coach Dee plays in these young lives is truly inspiring. Palisade Senior, Addie Ritterbush, is a student athlete at Palisade who has a very close connection with Coach Dee. “Coach Dee was my basketball coach my freshman year and before that she was my club volleyball coach when I was 12. Coach Dee is such an inspiration to me and so many other female athletes, just females in general.”
Ritterbush is inspired by Coach Dee’s strength and resilience in battling breast cancer. Her courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder to overcome any challenge with hope and perseverance.
“It flat out sucks to see her battling breast cancer. It’s heartbreaking to see such an amazing person go through something so hard. It’s not fair that she has to deal with it, but she’s such a great example of someone who is always so strong and positive. If anyone can beat this it’s her. She has inspired me to keep pushing and keep fighting no matter what battle, big or small, it can be won. She has inspired me to look for the good in every situation and to remind me to be strong and positive no matter what is going on.”
Ritterbush reflected on how amazing and heart filling the basketball night was, commenting on the memories that it will hold in her heart. “The cancer awareness night was amazing! We have one every sports season and this one was just so much more special. I found myself tearing up a few times because of Coach Dee and her situation. But overall, the night was super successful and just a great experience to be a part of.”
Coach Dee has inspired many Palisade female athletes everyday and her light continues to shine. We wish Coach Dee the best in the rest of her battle against cancer. Go kick cancer’s butt Coach Dee!
