Hegreness had lots happen over summer

By Gloria Austin 
Staff Writer
    On March 24, a story on Daphne (Williams) Hegreness was published on her faith, courage and triumph gained through overcoming epitheliod sarcoma, an extremely rare, slow moving, but extremely aggressive cancer.
    “Since I last talked to you a lot definitely has happened,” said Hegreness.
     In late March, early April, she had surgery to remove some painful bone spurs and to correct an issue with her residual bone. Due to her surgery, she was not able to wear her prosthetic leg for six weeks.
    “I was unable to compete in the races I had planned this summer due to the pain and recovery,” she said. “However, a lot of great things have happened!”
    A friend of Hegreness developed a website for her and also headed a fundraiser for Hegreness’ running leg.
    “It was called ‘MORP’ prom spelled backwards,” said Hegreness. “Everyone came dressed up for prom and we had a ton of fun!”
    The event raised around $1,500.
    “I got into a program at Ohio Willow Wood, a company that makes prosthetic parts. I am a product tester for them and I received a new leg, which totally was a huge answer to prayer because  my leg was not fitting the same since the recent surgery and we could not afford a new one.”
    Hegreness said the company has been “super awesome.”
    But, even more publicity would come Hegreness’ way, as a friend of her’s from the sarcoma survivor group contacted the press.
    “My husband, Jeff, and I were on the local news in Columbus, as well as in the Ohio State University student paper and a few medical publications in the area,” she said. “As a result of the press, a CEO of a huge prosthetic center in Houston Texas, who has a charity called “Limbs of Love” contacted me and told me they want to give me my running leg.”
    The company became Hegreness’ first sponsor.
    “Next month, Jeff and I will be flying to Texas for three days to have the leg made and learn to use it,” said Hegreness. “So, it’s been very cool watching God work. He has totally provided everything and far beyond my imagination.”
     Last month, the couple moved to Colorado Springs for three months, while Jeff does his clinical for school.
    “When I got there, I contacted the coach from the Olympic training center I’ve been in touch with and the next day I was at the track training,” said Hegreness. “She’s going to work with me until we leave, so this is also an answer to prayer as I need coaching.”
    Hegreness’ plan is to participate in the 2012 U.S. Paralympics in London as part of the U.S. Women’s Sprinting Team.
    “So a lot has happened this year and its been crazy,” Hegreness said.