💖 Peggy’s Story: How Pickleball Became Her Path to Healing

For many of us, pickleball is more than a sport. It’s a way to move, to connect, to feel alive again — and for Peggy Collins, it became a lifeline.

After being diagnosed with Stage III inflammatory breast cancer, Peggy faced one of the hardest chapters of her life. The treatments were grueling. The uncertainty was overwhelming. And yet, through it all, Peggy made a decision — to keep moving forward, even if only one step (or one swing) at a time.

🏓 Finding Joy Through Pain

During her recovery, Peggy was introduced to pickleball through a friend. At first, she didn’t know much about the game. But the moment she stepped onto the court, something clicked. The laughter, the teamwork, the simple joy of hitting the ball — it was exactly what she didn’t know she needed.

“I felt free again,” she shared. “It was the first time in months I wasn’t thinking about cancer or treatments or what I’d lost.”

Pickleball gave her more than exercise — it gave her a renewed sense of purpose and a powerful reminder of what her body could still do.

👯‍♀️ Building Community, One Rally at a Time

What started as a few matches soon turned into regular games, friendships, and a support system of women who had her back — on and off the court.

Peggy says the community was just as healing as the movement. “They didn’t care that I’d lost my hair. They didn’t see me as ‘the woman with cancer.’ I was just Peggy, their pickleball partner.”

This sense of normalcy was exactly what she needed — a break from doctor appointments, scans, and statistics. The court became her sanctuary.

💓 Movement as Medicine

Pickleball played a role in helping Peggy rebuild her strength, balance, and confidence. It allowed her to move at her own pace, with low impact but high connection.

Her doctors even noticed the difference: increased energy, better mobility, and an overall improvement in mood. Peggy believes pickleball helped her recover faster — not just physically, but emotionally.

And now? She’s not just a survivor. She’s a thriving woman who shares her story to inspire others to find healing through play, connection, and joy.

🌟 Your Next Game Could Be Your Turning Point

Peggy’s story is a beautiful reminder that pickleball isn’t just about winning points — it’s about reclaiming your power.

Whether you’re navigating something hard or simply need a reason to move again, the paddle is waiting. And so is a community of strong, resilient women who get it.

💬 Have you found healing through pickleball too?Share your story below — you never know who you’ll inspire next. 💕

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