The Tampa native is undergoing treatment for brain cancer
TAMPA, FLA. Nov. 11, 2021 – University of South Florida softball student-athlete Alexis Buchman, who underwent surgery for a brain tumor in September, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Buchman started noticing numbness and tingling sensations in her left arm in late July and sought treatment soon after for the symptoms. Following visits to The Stroke Center, an affiliate of USF Health, and Moffitt Cancer Center, to seek diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor on Sept. 16.
The Tampa native and Alonso High School alumnus is undergoing chemotherapy treatments and other prescribed therapies to fight the cancer.
“Knowing how positive and what a fighter Alexis is, it’s easy to join her with vigor as we help her through this Bulls’ Family challenge,” USF softball head coach Ken Eriksen said. “It has been so great to see her outlook every week when she is around us. The support she has been getting from all the teams and coaches here at USF shows how we take care of US!”
Led by the softball team, the USF Athletics family has united in support of Alexis and the Buchman family during this challenging time. Members of the department and other athletic teams will join the softball team in participating in the Miles for Moffitt event on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Amalie Arena. The support effort behind Buchman has been named “#BucSTRONG.” Those wishing to join the team in supporting Alexis by participating or donating to Miles for Moffitt can do so HERE.
Additionally, USF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will be completing initiatives throughout the remainder of the academic year to raise awareness on brain cancer and support the Buchman family. Grey wristbands will also be distributed to student-athletes and staff as a symbol of support as grey is the color associated with brain cancer awareness. USF softball will show their support throughout the season with a special logo on their equipment honoring Buchman.
“It hurts to see one of our amazing student-athletes face a challenge like this,” VP of Athletics Michael Kelly said. “She’s an inspiring young woman and I’m positive that she’ll continue to attack this with the same optimism and strength that she displayed on the softball field. The entirety of the USF Athletics family is behind Alexis Buchman in her fight against cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and Alexis has our full support throughout her battle.”
“I want to thank everyone for the kindness and support I have received, not just from USF Athletics and the softball team, but from all of USF’s teams and Bulls Nation as a whole,” Buchman said. “All of the generosity is helping me stay positive and confident during this fight. I’m up for the challenge and I know that I have an amazing support system behind me to help me overcome this ordeal.”
A GoFundMe has also been created to support the Buchman family during her treatment. Fans wishing to donate to the family can do so directly by clicking HERE.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 15 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
