#weplayformichelle

In September 2018 Michelle Reilly tried out for the Dover Bay Senior Girls Volleyball team. She was a great teammate, a coach's dream - energetic, positive, always team first, earning her nickname "Mighty Mouse" at every practice and game. But Michelle had been experiencing numbness in her legs and feet, and then pain in her back for some time, and this inhibited her movement and ability to play at her highest level. After doing everything from doctors to chiropractors, Michelle's mom, Carla, took her to BC Children's Hospital to get checked out. Then came devastating news - Michelle was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare and aggressive cancer, in her spine. Through treatment after treatment, and setback after setback, Michelle stayed the same vibrant, positive, energetic person that everyone knew and loved.

Sadly, Michelle lost her battle in September 2020. Her memory lives on with us at Dover Bay, with the shoe tags we all wear, and the #10 we wear on our uniform sleeves and sweaters. Her spirit and energy, and her bright smile, still permeate our gymnasium and school hallways. Michelle's #10 is retired from the Senior Girls Volleyball program, and her jersey is displayed in the hall just up from the gymnasium.

To try to help others that are dealing with cancer, and other ailments, we will be collecting donations to the BC Children's Hospital, to be donated on her behalf. Please consider giving a little when you walk into one of our gyms during the provincials. Your donation will go to help those that cared for Michelle throughout her courageous battle, and those that are engaged in their own battles.

Read Howard Tsumura's article: https://varsityletters.ca/a-sunday-memoriam-as-dover-bay-girls-volleyball-prepares-to-host-bc-quad-as-late-teammate-michelle-reilly-continues-to-inspire-her-dolphins-through-tough-times/