UNI Panthers Volleyball – Loyola

Additional Information

UNI’s volleyball match against Loyola will open Missouri Valley Conference play this Friday at 7 p.m. Friday, hosting Loyola of Chicago. Friday is UNI’s childhood cancer awareness match and all fans are encouraged to wear gold to support the team and the event.

In May 2009, Ellie Smiley was diagnosed with two brain tumors at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. One was by her brain stem and the second near her temple. After more scans the doctor said there was only one and Ellie needed brain surgery to try to remove as much tumor as they could. During surgery they discovered it was a very rare type of tumor called Clear Cell Meningioma and it was cancerous. There was no chemotherapy or other therapeutic drug options to shrink or kill it so they took all of it out. Surgery left her deaf in her right ear and with facial paralysis on the right side of her face. She underwent 36 sessions of radiation to the tumor site to kill any lasting cells that were left. We have been incredibly blessed by the swift healing and the opportunities to grow that the Lord has provided.

In 2010, UNI volleyball added a special honorary member to its team. Panther student-athletes wanted to be there for Ellie and her family. She has since gone into remission and is enjoying the perks of being a Panther.

Friday night, the team will honor her and children like Ellie at their first conference match of the season. The team has asked fans to wear gold in honor of supporting research for children with cancer.