Simone Edwards, a former WNBA champion and a pioneer for Jamaican women’s basketball, passed away on February 17, 2023, at the age of 49. She had been battling stage 4 ovarian cancer since May 2021, when she was diagnosed after experiencing severe abdominal pain.
Edwards, who was nicknamed the “Jamaican Hurricane”, played six seasons in the WNBA, all with the Seattle Storm. She helped the Storm win their first title in 2004, averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in her career. She was the first Jamaican woman to play in the WNBA and the only one to win a championship.
Edwards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and started playing basketball at the age of 16. She was discovered by an American coach who offered her a scholarship to a junior college in Oklahoma. She then transferred to Iowa, where she became an All-Big Ten selection in 1997. She also played for the Jamaican national team and coached youth programs in her home country.
Edwards was known for her energy, joy, and passion for the game. She was a fan favorite in Seattle and a role model for many young girls in Jamaica. She also worked as an assistant coach at Radford and George Mason after retiring from the WNBA.
Edwards’ death was mourned by many in the basketball community, including her former teammates, coaches, and fans. The Seattle Storm released a statement expressing their sadness and gratitude for her legacy. Former Storm coach Lin Dunn said that Edwards was “a gift to everyone” and “full of joy and energy”
Edwards’ cause of death, ovarian cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. It is often hard to detect in its early stages, as it may not cause any symptoms or only vague ones. Some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, family history, obesity, and hormone therapy. Some of the symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
Ovarian cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of the cancer. The survival rate for ovarian cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis, the patient’s age, and the response to treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for all stages of ovarian cancer is 48%.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, and the eighth most common cancer worldwide. It is estimated that about 21,410 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023, and about 13,770 will die from it.
Ovarian cancer awareness and research are important to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of this disease. There are several organizations that support ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
Simone Edwards was a brave and inspiring woman who fought ovarian cancer with courage and grace. She left behind a legacy of excellence and empowerment in basketball and beyond. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, a champion, and a hurricane.
