TROTWOOD — The first-ever Hooping for Hope tournament was held in Trotwood Sunday.
The goal was to raise awareness for cancer and support a local woman living with the disease.
Louanda James overcame stage three triple negative breast cancer five years ago.
But recently James said they found lumps again and she won’t know if it’s cancerous until July 17.
While she said it’s scary to think about having cancer for the second time, she’s trying to stay positive.
“If it comes back on me I’ll just be fighting again,” James said. “Cancer is just another battle. I’ve been there before and I’m gonna beat it again.”
Her diagnosis led her to want to do more for others.
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So she started the “U Fight We Worry” foundation around three years ago.
The foundation works with people battling cancer to help with bills or anything else they might need.
“If they need it, and I got it, we are all there to help. That’s what we’re here for,” she said.
She enjoys coming out to events like Hooping for Hope to be there for others but is also grateful for her own support system.
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Jewell Jones and Tonya Taylor both played in the tournament in support of Jones and to honor family members living with cancer.
“She is our friend and we love her,” Jones said.
Jones and Taylor both had their own impressive basketball careers.
After high school jones played for the Army and Air Force Basketball teams.
Taylor played in the WNBA overseas and with the Portland Saints.
The organizer of the vent, Robin Mobley, said she wants the tournament to be held every year.