By Catharine Runion · Community Editor
The women’s volleyball match against Carnegie Mellon on Sept. 9 won’t be any old match.
It’s a benefit match, partially for Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and partially to raise money for the AHN Grove City Cancer Institute.
This isn’t just about awareness for Head Volleyball Coach Leo Sayles: it’s very personal for him and for multiple former students.
Leo Sayles is also the associate director for sport ministry and the director of volleyball at the college. In addition, Sayles teaches an elective bowling class. He is beloved on campus for the way in which he personally connects with and cares about his students and athletes.
Sayles was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in 2023. He experiences chronic pain, chronic fatigue and bone fragility.
“It’s an invisible sickness. It’s hard to explain that I can’t just take a nap. My body is in fight or flight mode all the time,” Sayles said.
It has become increasingly difficult for Sayles to maintain high levels of energy courtside as a coach, and it has even meant stepping down from teaching the bowling class.
“I went to demonstrate something in class, and I heard a huge pop: my ankle fractured, just like that,” he said. He will begin undergoing treatment — a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy — in September.
The same semester he was diagnosed, a student in his bowling class, Nina Cano ’23, was diagnosed with lymphoma. Sayles has remained in contact with Cano, supporting her and three other former athletes in their battles with lymphoma.
Cano has spoken about the pressures of being a Grove City College student and a student athlete all while battling cancer. She had to miss a lot of class and was undergoing treatment — a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy — in September.
“Coach Sayles’ willingness to be vulnerable about his own health journey aided me in my struggle to balance my health with my academics. The grace of God has touched me through the kind words, encouragement, and prayers of Coach Sayles,” Cano said.
Over the last few years, Sayles has partnered with other coaches and colleges to host benefit matches in support of various students battling cancer. After spending a few years raising awareness for lymphoma, Sayles decided to raise awareness for myeloma. He started a GoFundMe page in conjunction with the upcoming game, and funds will be donated to the AHN Grove City Care Center.
According to Sayles, items such as blankets, food vouchers and toiletries are nearly as important to patients as the treatment itself. “I have often encouraged others to find ways to come alongside patients and caregivers. Often fund-raising efforts are focused on much-needed research, but individuals in the local community may be overlooked,” he said.
In addition to the GoFundMe page, Sayles is planning on setting up an information table in the Breen Student Union the week of the game. The table will have important infographics, a donation jar and various cancer awareness ribbons for any student or staff who contributes. This table will be set up at the game as well. His ultimate goal is to raise $1,600 for the Cancer Institute.
It is important to Sayles that he raises awareness and funds for any and all forms of cancer, not just myeloma. “A cancer diagnosis is life-shattering for anyone. I believe supporting the Cancer Institute will provide care for many,” he said.
Despite the ordeal before him, Sayles is optimistic and quick to see God’s grace. He spoke about the joy of seeing his former students go into mission. They have been able to go on to grad school, become volleyball coaches themselves and celebrate up to seven years cancer free.
Sayles also mentioned that his grandfather died of the same cancer simply because research and treatment weren’t available. “I came along at a good time. The research has done its job. Myeloma is treatable, and I have a good prognosis,” he said.
The benefit game will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in the PLC. Coach Sayles requests that those who wish to attend the game wear red, as that is the color for blood cancer awareness. To learn more or to donate, scan the QR code below.
