Steven Donaldson shows true grit
Men of League Foundation Central Coast Committee welfare representatives Les Pearce and Dennis Culpan recently visited Steven Donaldson to show him support after a tough few years. Steven Donaldson was a talented sportsman, whether playing Rugby League for the Umina Bunnies or soccer with Umina Eagles.
In 2012, Steven had the world at his feet. He completed year 12, celebrated his 18th birthday, went to Bali for Schoolies and was accepted into the Sports Institute at Homebush for a course in Physical Education.
Then came the news that Steven had aggressive Lymphoblastic Lymphoma blood cancer. Needless to say Steven, his family and his friends were devastated as to why this had happened. After many stays and numerous treatments of chemotherapy and blood transfusions in Gosford Hospital, he has now been in remission for two years and was looking forward to once more putting on his footy boots and beginning his studies.
Steven then received the news that due to the extensive steroid use which was part of the cancer treatment he had developed osteonecrosis – a local of blood flow to his hip ball joint which causes the ball to collapse. Steven now requires two hip replacements. Not only are his footy playing days over, but his career path via studies at the Sports Institute are as well. Steven had his right hip replaced in August 2015 and his left hip replaced in February 2016.
Although unable to participate in contact sport Steven has maintained a positive outlook and strong determination to succeed in coaching. Steven is an example of always giving life your best shot, even when you’re sown. That is why Steven is admired by all that know him.
Steven was presented with a Men of League Foundation polo shirt and cap and wished all the best for his continued recovery by the welfare representatives.
Image: Steven Donaldson
