Villanova, Pa. - Burkitt Lymphoma is recognized as the fastest growing human tumor in the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma category. It is a good analogy to the story of junior volleyball star Gabby Pethokoukis and her recent fight against cancer.

Burkitt lymphoma is incredibly rare outside of Africa. About 1,200 people are diagnosed in the United Stated and about 59% of patients are over the age of 40. If left untreated, it can become fatal quickly.

So Pethokoukis, a sophomore at the time, had no idea that a suspected case of mono could lead to a very different spring semester than what she was expecting. After feeling fatigued and worn out easier than usual and finding a swollen tonsil while home during the February blackout, Pethokoukis decided to consult the team physician.

"I went to the health center and they were unsure of what it was, and the athletic trainers didn't know what it was either," said Pethokoukis. "After that I went back and forth between doctors and the emergency room and everyone was puzzled. I ended up seeing an ENT who decided that it was tonsillitis and I was going to have to get my tonsils removed. By this time it was the end of March when I finally got the surgery."

In early April, a biopsy was performed and doctor's suspected that Pethokoukis might have lymphoma. Head Coach Josh Steinbach, Associate Athletic Director Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A. and Pethokoukis' mother sat her down as soon they found out and gave her the news.

"Immediately I had to go home," said Pethokoukis. "I went to a doctor at Northwestern who confirmed that it was stage-two Burkitts Lymphoma."

The next part of Pethokoukis' story is the difficult one. Immediately she had to pack up her things, move home and begin chemotherapy since the tumor was such an aggressive form.

"Originally we thought that I would have about five to six rounds but after the first petscan we found out that thankfully I would only need three," said Pethokoukis. "That was great news to hear."

And the news kept getting better from there. After three treatments of chemotherapy, Pethokoukis was pronounced in complete remission at the end of June and is currently enjoying a cancer-free life. She now looks to the future, and more importantly the fall volleyball season.

"My ultimate goal is to be able to play but I am taking that day by day and just doing what I can," said Pethokoukis. "I am at practice now to support the team and get stronger."

Pethokoukis believes that a huge part of her speedy recovery however, was the love and support she received from her fellow Wildcats at Villanova.

"The team was immediately so supportive, said Pethokoukis. " I got so many packages and letters over the summer, it was such a comfort to hear from them and know they were thinking and praying for me. I also received a ton of support from other Villanova teams as well, and it was touching to know they were thinking about me."

Pethokoukis' story is one that best embodies the spirit of the student-athlete, and will continue to inspire not only her teammates, but Wildcats everywhere.