A Mercer University volleyball player, Aliyah “Ali” Waldon, died of cancer on Sunday, according to her family and the university. Waldon was 19 years old and had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, after discovering a tumor in her femur and hip area earlier in the summer.
Julie Rodgers, Waldon’s mother, described her daughter as “the funniest, happiest, most loving person I’ve ever known and I was blessed to be her mom!” She added: “Our hearts are shattered … Ali would not want us to be sad, she was not amongst the Ordinary.”
Mercer University’s volleyball team paid tribute to Waldon in an Instagram post. The statement read: “Ali was a tremendous teammate, daughter and friend whose smile could light up (Mercer University’s) Hawkins Arena. Ali brought the entire volleyball community together in her fight. She will be sorely missed.”
Waldon was a sophomore at Mercer University majoring in psychology and had made the dean’s list. According to information shared by her family on GoFundMe, she hoped to help children dealing with trauma.
Her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses during her illness. By Monday morning following her death, more than 750 people had contributed about $101,000 for medical bills. The fundraiser stated: “Anyone that knows Ali knows she is strong willed and a fighter.” Julie Rodgers was listed as the beneficiary of the fund, with Gina Mann named as an organizer.
The diagnosis reportedly strengthened Waldon’s faith. The GoFundMe page noted: “Her belief stands strong that HE is guiding her in her desire to fulfill her major to help children dealing with trauma.”
A celebration of life event for Waldon is expected to be announced soon.
