Two years ago, Kai Skowlund was a sophomore at Durango High School and qualified for the state tennis championships at No. 1 doubles with his partner, Aedan Hall.
“That was a big accomplishment,” he said.
Skowlund also played varsity at No. 2 doubles his freshman year.
After his sophomore season, however, Skowlund broke his leg mountain biking.
When we went to the doctor, he found out he had osteosarcoma, bone cancer, which had weakened his leg.
“I was lucky we caught it early,” Skowlund said.
Skowlund spent the next nine months treating the cancer, getting chemotherapy and staying off the court.
“It was also tough in a COVID year – the treatments weakened my immune system and made me really vulnerable,” Skowlund said. “I had to stay isolated and couldn’t see my friends.”
Slowlund, however, said he’s been cancer-free for the past seven months. His bone still needs to finish healing, he said, and he isn’t cleared for high-impact activities, but he can play tennis and ride his bike a again, just not at the same intensity as before.
“It gave me a new perspective on everything, and I’m thankful for what I have,” Skowlund said. “You never know when it could get taken from you.”
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