'A long journey': Horace swimmer ready for conference meet following battle with rare cancer

The tranquil blue of the Hulbert Aquatic Center pool has always been a place of solace and strength for Emmyline Fabel. For this Horace High School senior, the water is more than just a competitive arena; it’s a sanctuary, a place where the weight of a grueling battle against cancer can momentarily lift. After facing a journey that would test the spirit of anyone, Emmyline is back, her determination shining as brightly as the sun on the water's surface.

A Battle Begins: Unraveling a Rare Diagnosis

Horace High School senior Emmyline Fabel has made a triumphant return to competitive swimming at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, North Dakota, following a courageous battle with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the bone. Her journey from debilitating pain to renewed strength is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the steadfast support of her family and community.

The ordeal began in late 2022 when Emmyline, a dedicated athlete, started experiencing severe knee pain. Initially dismissed as a common swimmer's ailment or a tear, the pain escalated, becoming unbearable. "I started getting really bad knee pain. At first we thought it was swimmer's knee or something or a tear," Emmyline recalled. The severity of her discomfort became undeniable. "We waited until I was fully in tears following some of my races and my parents were very concerned, they thought something was wrong," she shared.

Her parents, Aaron and Alicia Fabel, knew deep down that something was gravely amiss. "Realized something just wasn't right," Aaron Fabel stated, reflecting on the agonizing period of uncertainty. Alicia Fabel, a mother driven by fierce love, became her daughter's most vocal advocate, pushing tirelessly for more comprehensive testing and imaging after initial consultations yielded no answers. "I don't think I was the favorite mother they saw coming," Alicia admitted, highlighting the persistent effort required to secure a proper diagnosis.

The persistence paid off, leading to a shocking and rare diagnosis in December 2022: Non-Hodgkin primary bone lymphoma in both knees. This particular form of cancer, affecting the bones rather than lymph nodes, presented without many of the typical symptoms. "It wasn't in my lymph nodes, I didn't have the normal symptoms. I didn't get sick or have swollen glands," Emmyline explained, underscoring the elusive nature of her illness.

The Long Road to Recovery: Treatment and Tenacity

The diagnosis plunged the Fabel family into a world of intensive medical treatment. Emmyline began chemotherapy in January 2023 at Sanford Health, a leading healthcare provider in the region. Her treatment regimen was rigorous, involving multiple rounds of chemotherapy that took a significant toll on her body and spirit. The side effects were challenging, but Emmyline faced each hurdle with remarkable resilience.

Throughout her treatment, Emmyline's medical team was deeply impressed by her courage. Dr. David Newman, her primary oncologist, remarked, "Emmyline's case is truly remarkable, not only for the rarity of her diagnosis but for her incredible fortitude throughout treatment." Dr. Andrew Wald, a bone specialist, added, "Her determination is inspiring; she approached every session with a positive attitude." The family also received support from experts at Essentia Health, another prominent regional healthcare system, ensuring comprehensive care.

By June 2023, Emmyline completed her chemotherapy, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. The subsequent months were dedicated to rehabilitation, rebuilding her strength and regaining mobility. Her journey back to health was not just physical; it was an emotional and spiritual one, supported by her deep faith and the unwavering love of her family. "It's a long journey, but it's not over," Emmyline reflected during this period, acknowledging the ongoing process of healing.

Back in the Water: A Symbol of Hope

August 2023 marked a pivotal moment: Emmyline's return to the pool. The familiar embrace of the water at the Hulbert Aquatic Center was a powerful symbol of her triumph. "It's just a blessing that I'm able to do this," she expressed, her voice filled with gratitude. Her first practices were challenging, but each stroke was a step forward, a reclamation of the passion that cancer had threatened to steal.

Her coaches and teammates at Horace High School, part of the West Fargo Public Schools district, welcomed her back with open arms. Dr. Stephen King, the school's athletic director, commented, "Her spirit is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of our student-athletes." Emmyline's dedication to her sport, even amidst such adversity, has been a profound source of inspiration for the entire school community.

As she prepared for the upcoming conference meet in February 2024, Emmyline's focus was not just on winning, but on celebrating her ability to compete. "I'm excited to see what I can do, but mostly I'm just so thankful to be here," she said. Her story highlights the profound connection between physical activity and mental well-being, especially for young people facing life-altering challenges.

Community Rallies: A Network of Support

Emmyline's journey has resonated deeply within the broader Fargo-Moorhead community, showcasing the powerful bonds that hold our towns together. The Fabel family received an outpouring of support, from meals and prayers to financial assistance. A local fundraising effort, spearheaded by community members, raised an astonishing $1.7 million to support Emmyline's medical costs and recovery, demonstrating the profound generosity and compassion inherent in our region. An additional $1.4 million was raised through various community events and online campaigns, further solidifying the network of care surrounding the family.

"I'm just so thankful for my family and friends, and the community," Emmyline reiterated, acknowledging the immense impact of this collective effort. The support extended beyond financial aid, encompassing emotional encouragement that sustained the family through their darkest days. This collective embrace is a hallmark of the City of Fargo and City of West Fargo, where neighbors truly look out for one another.

The Fabel family's experience underscores the vital role that strong, intact families play in navigating life's most difficult passages. Aaron and Alicia's unwavering commitment to each other and to their daughter provided a stable foundation, a beacon of hope in the storm. Their example reminds us all of the enduring strength found in loving households and authentic faith, which can transform trials into testimonies of resilience.

Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Promise

As Emmyline looks towards the conference meet and beyond, her perspective on life has been profoundly shaped. Her battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a condition that the American Cancer Society and the Lymphoma Research Foundation work tirelessly to combat, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for every moment. "It's been a long year, but I'm just so thankful for everything," she reflected, embodying a spirit of profound gratitude.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and persistent advocacy in healthcare, lessons that resonate across Cass County and beyond. For young athletes and their families, Emmyline's journey is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of daunting challenges, passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable triumphs. The National Cancer Institute continues to research rare cancers like Emmyline's, offering hope for future advancements.

Emmyline Fabel's return to the pool is more than just a comeback story in competitive swimming; it is a profound narrative of courage, community, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Her journey reminds us that even when faced with life's most formidable adversaries, with faith, family, and community support, it is possible not only to survive but to thrive, inspiring countless others along the way. "It's just a blessing that I'm here," she concluded, a simple yet profound statement that encapsulates her incredible journey.