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Friday, December 22, 2000
Kappel tumor hits on heels of Chaput's illness
ESPN.com news services
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DES MOINES, Iowa -- It has not been a good week for the Drake women's basketball team.
Two members of the squad have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. Freshman guard Mandy Kappel was diagnosed
with a tumor in the cerebellum of her brain, and sophomore forward Martha Chaput was sidelined after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
Doctors on Wednesday removed a benign tumor from Kappel's brain. The tumor was located at the back part of the brain called the
cerebellum, which controls movement. Dr. Thomas Carlstrom of the
Iowa Clinics said the entire tumor was removed.
"A complete cure at this time is anticipated," he said.
Kappel, 18, was listed in serious condition at Iowa Methodist
Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Deann Cook said.
"The position of the tumor affects coordination, balance and equilibrium,"
first year Drake coach Lisa Stone said of Kappel's situation before surgery. "My main concern is
with her health. Her return to the court is the least of my worries."
The native of Sioux Falls, S.D., complained of dizziness early last week and underwent an MRI on Friday. She was then referred to a
neurosurgeon at the Iowa Clinic who made the diagnosis Saturday.
On Dec. 11, Chaput was diagnosed with Hodgkin's
disease after playing in six games this season.
"This is tough news, coming less than a week after Martha's (Chaput)
diagnosis," Stone said after hearing of Kappel. "The team's strength, unity and love and support
will help pull Mandy and Martha through this."
Kappel averaged 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in seven
games. She was named South Dakota Miss Basketball as a senior last year at
Roosevelt High School after averaging 13 points, four assists and three
steals on a team that was ranked in the top 25 nationally by USA Today and
won 65 straight games.
Kappel, who ranked first in her graduating class of 395 with a 4.0
grade-point average, was a five-year starter whose teams posted a 112-4
record during that span.
Chaput will miss
the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
The illness, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system that usually strikes
young adults and people 55 years of age and older, was diagnosed as a result
of a biopsy. Doctors are waiting on further test results to
determine the stage of the illness and treatment options.
Chaput is expected to use a medical redshirt for the 2000-01 season and
continue her playing career next year. She hopes to remain on campus
during her illness and continue to be a part of the basketball
team this season.
Hockey player Mario Lemieux resumed his playing career after
contracting Hodgkin's disease in the early 1990s.
"Martha's positive attitude and approach has given all of us strength," said
Stone. "She knows that she has her coaches and teammates to help her every
step of the way."
Chaput has two points and eight rebounds this season. As a freshman, she had 21 points and 20 rebounds in 18 games.
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