Professional Waterwoman Olivia Jenkins and Partner Ian Walsh Face Biggest Challenge Yet After Cancer Diagnosis
Olivia Jenkins, a professional waterwoman and health professional who has ridden the largest wave ever kitesurfed by a woman, has been diagnosed with Sclerosing Hodgkins Lymphoma.
“Over the many months while these masses grew in my chest, I’ve hydrofoiled, kitesurfed, wingfoiled, surfed, biked, ran, hiked, skied, you name it, for hours on end,” posted Jenkins on Instagram. “Just the weekend before the initial X-ray, I hiked 25 miles through Haleakala crater with a 45lb pack at 10,000 ft, then SUP foil downwinded out to sea, getting demolished by overhead sets on the outer reefs.”
Jenkins had been due to undergo spinal surgery when a chest x-ray identified the large mass that was subsequently diagnosed as cancer. Sclerosing Hodgkins Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that helps the body fight infections. It affects young adults more than other age groups and most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 34. It is easier to treat and has better survival rates than most types of cancer.
Born in the UK, but based in Maui with her partner, big wave surfer Ian Walsh, the pair have moved to California to undergo the six-month specialized treatment Jenkins requires.
“Like all things in life, Olivia and I both appreciate a great challenge. We are looking forward to climbing this mountain and getting her to the top stronger, more resilient, and even harder to keep up with in the ocean,” posted Walsh.
The 29-year-old Jenkins is a sponsored athlete in a number of water sports, including kitesurfing, surfing, and various foiling disciplines. She has more recently been concentrating on the progression of her kitesurfing in the big wave realm, mostly at Pe'ahi. A wave she rode at the big wave spot last November was considered the biggest ever kitesurfed by a female.
In addition to her careers in water sports and modeling, she has a Master of Public Health degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She has long been an advocate for health equity and has used her education and athlete profile to positively impact community health.
Yet right now, Jenkins, perhaps one of the fittest and healthiest persons on the planet, is fighting for her own health, with Walsh by her side. The 2017 Pe'ahi Challenge Champion has recently helped both his parents overcome cancer diagnoses and said his, “Boots are laced up to climb this mountain with you every step of the way.”
“Life really knows how to throw a wrench in your plans when you least expect it. I am reminding myself daily that this is just another wave of my life that is set up to challenge me, and I am here to conquer it head on,” said Jenkins. “I will come out of this stronger, more resilient, and even more eager to live life to its fullest.”
We wish Olivia all the best for a full recovery.
