Emily Oers’ Journey from Cancer Survivor to Paralympic Medalist
A story of strength, survival, and silver at the Paralympics.
Life can change in an instant. For Emily Oers, a young athlete from Brookfield, Wisconsin, that moment came when she was just 12 years old. What began as a simple shin pain during basketball tryouts quickly spiraled into a life-altering diagnosis: a rare form of bone cancer.
Today, Emily is a Paralympic silver medalist in wheelchair basketball, a full-time professional in Chicago, and a beacon of resilience for anyone facing challenges. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and the power of embracing what makes you unique.
A Childhood Built on Sports
Emily grew up immersed in athletics. Basketball, softball, golf, track—if it involved competition, she tried it. Sports were more than hobbies; they were her identity and community. But in eighth grade, everything came to a halt when doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in her left leg.
Within days, Emily’s life shifted from basketball courts to hospital rooms. She underwent 19 rounds of chemotherapy and an extensive surgery that removed most of her tibia, replacing it with bone from her other leg. Though the procedure saved her life, it left her unable to run or jump.
At just 13 years old, Emily rang the bell signaling remission, but she also had to confront a new reality: her athletic future would never look the same.
Recovery and Redefining Normal
Recovery was grueling. Emily spent months in a wheelchair, then years in physical therapy rebuilding strength in her leg. The physical pain was matched by emotional struggles. Her teammates and friends were still competing, while she felt left behind, unsure of where she belonged.
At first, she found her way back through golf—a sport that didn’t demand running or jumping. A newspaper story about her return caught the attention of a local wheelchair basketball coach, who encouraged her to try the sport. Emily resisted at first, saying, “I can walk, I don’t need a wheelchair.”
But after much persistence, she agreed to attend a practice—intending to say no in person. Instead, she was captivated. The speed, competitiveness, and athleticism mirrored everything she loved about basketball. That night, she picked up the sport that would define the next chapter of her life.
The Turning Point: Discovering Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball wasn’t easy at first. Emily had to relearn the game, this time from a chair, and strengthen her upper body to shoot and defend. But she threw herself into the challenge. By her junior year of high school, she was excelling—and dreaming even bigger.
She soon discovered that wheelchair basketball wasn’t just recreational; it was a collegiate and Paralympic sport. Watching Team USA win gold at the Rio Paralympics ignited a fire in her. Emily knew she wanted to get there one day.
From College Athlete to Paralympian
Emily’s determination earned her a spot at the University of Alabama, and later the University of Illinois, where she trained under legendary coach Steph Wheeler. College was where she truly grew as an athlete, honing her skills and learning the demands of elite competition.
But after graduating in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic left her at a crossroads. She started a career at Abbott as a logistics planner, unsure if basketball still had a place in her future. When the Tokyo Paralympics were postponed, she realized she couldn’t let the dream go.
Her manager supported her pursuit, and Emily tried out for Team USA in 2021. She made the roster, committed fully to training, and in 2024, traveled to Paris for her first Paralympic Games.
There, she and her teammates captured silver. More importantly, the games marked a cultural shift—sold-out arenas, global broadcasts, and unprecedented recognition for Paralympic athletes. Emily experienced it all as the team’s rookie, living a dream that began years earlier in a hospital room.
A Day in the Life
Today, Emily juggles dual roles: professional and athlete. Her mornings start with work at Abbott, afternoons often include strength training, and evenings are dedicated to basketball practice or individual drills. Social sacrifices are common, but to Emily, representing Team USA makes every tradeoff worthwhile.
With national tournaments and international competitions ahead, her sights are set firmly on Los Angeles 2028—where she will no longer be the rookie but a veteran leader for the next generation.
Message of Hope
When asked what advice she would give her younger self—or anyone facing adversity—Emily’s answer is powerful:
“Embrace what makes you unique.”
For years, she resisted trying wheelchair basketball because it felt different. But once she leaned into her uniqueness, her life transformed in ways she could never have imagined.
Emily’s journey reminds us that challenges don’t define us—our response to them does. By embracing our differences, chasing our passions, and refusing to let setbacks dictate our future, we can all discover our own version of victory.
Takeaway
Emily Oers’ story is more than an athletic triumph—it’s a testament to resilience, identity, and hope. From surviving cancer to winning a Paralympic medal, she embodies the truth that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light waiting to be found.
Her journey challenges us to ask: What makes us unique—and how can we use it to change our lives for the better?
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