Myeloma, Party Of Two: Cheering For The World Cup (And The Myeloma Community)
“Futbol,” or soccer as it’s known on this side of the pond, is really catching on in the United States.
Over the last few weeks, many Americans, myself included, have been riveted to our televisions as we cheered for team USA in the FIFA World Cup.
It seems that soccer fever is so pervasive that even the clergy have not been spared the affliction. I recently heard a minister discuss in his sermon the different styles of play of the World Cup teams. The minister also pointed out that we could learn something from the World Cup, wherein 32 disparate nations compete together from all over the world out of a shared love for the sport. Historical, political, and socio-economic differences, he pointed out, are not as important as the shared common ground that brings the fans, players, and coaches together.
With this in mind, my thoughts began to wander to this month’s column and my World Cup experience.
Admittedly, I only began watching the series because my husband was watching it. Having always been a lot more “artsy” than athletic, my only soccer experience was playing one season in little league.
Actually, to say that I “played” soccer is a bit generous. What I really did was stand at the left full-back position and desperately hope that the ball didn’t come my way. I was terrible. I tripped over the ball far more than I kicked it. When the ball did come my way, I usually ran in the wrong direction, making “offsides” my frequent home and causing my coach to frantically wave his arms and throw his hands up in exasperation.
It was pretty obvious that I wouldn’t be the next Pelé. Since then, I hadn’t much considered the sport until my husband hijacked the TV remote, and I found myself watching World Cup games.
As I watched the matches, something strange began to happen.
Much to my surprise, I began to get caught up in the action. I began to recognize the skill displayed by the athletes, and I’d hold my breath when the ball launched toward the goal. With each play, I became increasingly more invested, shifting from a passive participant to a fan, shouting with excitement as USA goalie, Tim Howard, skillfully defended numerous goal attempts.
Even after USA was defeated by Belgium in extra time, I still watched the matches, now invested in new favorite teams. I was shocked by Brazil’s loss to Germany, and I was oddly touched by their fans’ outpouring of grief and sadness during the match. I watched the final match between Germany and Argentina, and I wasn’t disappointed as the excitement crescendo-ed to a 1-0 finish.
The media coverage of the World Cup was substantial and new and, in a bizarre way, I felt like I was connecting with fans all over the world.
What impressed me the most is the way the tournament brought so many people from different countries and different walks of life together to watch the game. The motto of the World Cup this year was “All in One Rhythm”. From what I saw in the media, it seemed to be an appropriate maxim.
On the news one morning, I saw a small group of fans “tailgating” around a television in Salvador, Brazil. They represented their favorite teams with brightly colored shirts and flags. The scene was very jovial, despite the fans being from different teams. I was struck by the image of two young men holding an American flag, wearing the red, white, and blue jerseys of their favorite players. They were laughing and exchanging friendly banter with some young Brazilian fans in their green and gold.
One of the young men told the correspondent that “Soccer is an international sport, and it has the power to bring people together all over the world”. The truth in his words and the camaraderie of the scene really struck me.
With each match, I saw people from different walks of life sharing a unifying, common experience that brought them together. I saw fans who were joyous, fans who were grieving, fans who winced with empathy for the injured, and fans who stood out of respect for those athletes who gave their all for their team. I began thinking about how many people from all over the world were participating in the World Cup, even if from their local pub or living room sofa. These people were a community.
Naturally, my thoughts turned to us, those who’ve been impacted by myeloma, and how we read each other’s columns in The Myeloma Beacon, discuss treatment protocols, visit with patients in waiting rooms, and share our loved ones’ stories. Regardless of whether you are a patient, a medical provider, a caregiver, a spouse, relative or a friend; are we not also “one world, in one rhythm?”
We may be different people from different walks of life, but we are brought together by a single goal. Together, we are focused on treating, thriving, supporting, sharing, hoping, encouraging, fighting, and researching life-prolonging medicines and, ultimately, a cure.
I think that we, with our unity of purpose, are an amazing community!
From the time my husband was diagnosed, we reached out and found a network of patients, practitioners, and caregivers when we needed them the most. It gave both of us tremendous comfort to know that we weren’t alone. Personally, I’ve been strengthened by your stories and your comments, and I hope that you’ve been strengthened by mine.
Certainly, none of us wanted to be in this situation and we don’t wish our numbers to grow. But I’m thankful for our community nonetheless.
I’m glad that we can come together for the news, support, and medical research that helps us to persevere and live well with myeloma. I’m also more than a little relieved that I don’t have to travel half-way around the world or kick a soccer ball for it!
Rest assured, while I may not be on the field, you will find me on the sidelines, cheering you on as well.
Tabitha Tow Burns writes a monthly column for The Myeloma Beacon. In 2012, after an initial diagnosis of MGUS, her husband Daniel was eventually diagnosed with smoldering myeloma. You can view a list of her previously published columns here.
If you are interested in writing a regular column for The Myeloma Beacon, please contact the Beacon team at .
Thanks Tabitha ... I think that is a great analogy between the World Cup of soccer and the international nature of the myeloma community! We were also watching excerpts of it, which we had 'PVR'd'. It seemed that, compared to four years ago, the game has gotten even more intense and athletic. I couldn't believe the 'headers' when players used their heads to bunt the soccer ball. I even saw a goal scored that way! And the overtime play required to break a tie was very dramatic. Congrats to Germany for winning the tournament, and also to Brazil for hosting the event, and getting into the semi-finals also.
I remember seeing the final game four years ago in a little restaurant near Banff with my husband and friends. There was a lot of cheering going on by international visitors in the room! Just like the Olympics, its a special event every four years.
I think that soccer is probably the best game to play just for the aerobic aspect, it's a lot like running. Well, it is mostly played by running back and forth on the field. It's growing in popularity here for youth teams. There are indoor 'soccer domes' where the game can be played year round.
Thanks for your comments Nancy! I know what you mean by all the running. I'm amazed at the aerobic fitness level and athleticism of these athletes. It makes for such an exciting game! I really look forward to the next World Cup!
Hi Again...I should also have added that there are many international teams of researchers who consult regularly , in person at international conferences, and also by reading each other's work. They do collaborate together, as you can observe if you read the lists of researchers reported on the abstracts of their work. The world of scientific research has always been international, and myeloma research is no exception to that. As a patient in my country , Canada, I am really interested as to what is happening in other countries too. By comparing and contrasting, we may be able to advocate for improvements where we live! Brilliant, Tabitha!
Thank you Tabitha for an eloquent description of your World Cup experience, which in many ways resembled mine. For a low scoring game (except for Brazil's loss to Germany), there is sure a lot of strategy and "feeling each other out" by both teams. Real football (soccer in North America) is indeed a beautiful game, which can be played by the poorest kids with any type of ball virtually anywhere. And there are heart warming instances of true sportsmanship.
Unfortunately, the World Cup has been entangled by controversy, with the refs making questionable calls (or missing them), corruption and even bribery. Some games were determined more by the refs than the players! But in a way that adds the element of surprise, the intangibles. I suspect the reason professional soccer has not taken off in the US is that advertisers cannot stop the game except at halftime! And there is a real danger of knee injuries, especially for girls, and concussions due to the headers attempts (clunk!).
I can see the comparisons to our multiple myeloma community. We all strive to keep active and persevere, despite all the challenges, and rely on teamwork with our family and friends. Sooner or later we will lose our battle, unless that elusive cure is found (like Deutschland!). And living in the moment is beneficial to both patients and soccer players.
Thank you again for a unique take on the subject, and sharing on the Beacon!
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