Davis’ battle with cancer inspires community
On a clear, evening with the sun still hovering bright in the sky, fans packed the Cleveland Central High School softball field as the Lady Wolves had their “Strikeout Cancer” softball game against the Southaven High School Lady Chargers on April 8.
The main attraction of the evening wasn’t the game itself, but who threw out the first pitch. Anna Davis, a 2024 CCHS graduate, former Lady Wolves softball player and current Northwest Community College cheerleader, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Davis was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February and has been getting treatments at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
When Davis entered the circle to throw out the first pitch, she grinned from ear to ear as she basked in the moment. Davis threw the underhand pitch to senior catcher Katie Waldbeiser, and the team gathered with Davis and her family in the middle of the field for pictures before the game.
The big crowd and the love she’s received from her old high school and everyone in the community made Davis’ night special.
“Tonight was a really great experience,” said Davis. “It shows how people are in support of me, love me and want to see me win my battle. The pitch was kind of fun. It was my first time doing it.”
Davis said doctors didn’t waste any time treating her after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“As soon as I found out, I started treatment right away,” said Davis. “After they found where everything was, I started getting treatment and everything done. I have my ups and downs. With stuff like that you have hard days, but I’ve been having mostly good days.”
Nora Davis, Anna Davis’ mother, felt hopefully after seeing her daughter throw out the first pitch.
“To see them do this for years when Anna was playing, they would have a different shirt every year to come and support somebody with cancer,” said Nora Davis. “It was bitter, sweet to see this done for Anna and St. Jude. To see Anna do that with a smile just gives me hope that everything is going to be okay and to stay positive.”
During her battle with cancer, Anna Davis and her family have received tons of support and people wishing them the best. People at different places all over the state and the country have shown their love for her on social media. When people refer to Davis’ battle with cancer, they wrap up their sentiment with #AnnaWillWin.
Anthony Davis, Anna Davis’ father and Thomas E. Edwards Sr. High School Head Boys Basketball Coach, said the outpouring of love Anna Davis and the family have gotten has been wonderful.
“The support has been tremendous,” said Coach Davis. “That’s been what’s keeping us going and up lifting her spirits. The prayers, we’re going to need them along this road. It’s still a long road, and we just continue to get those prayers and support.”
Anthony Davis has been pleased with how Anna Davis has responded to her treatments.
“Everything is going well,” said Coach Davis. “She has her ups and downs. Right now, she’s having one of her ups. I’m glad she was able to come out here and perform well. Her spirit is keeping her going.”
CCHS Head Softball Coach Taylor Taylor was overwhelmed by the support Davis got at the game and across the state.
“The huge crowd to support Anna was amazing to see,” said Taylor. “It truly shows what tremendous love and support that Anna’s friends and family have in our community and the surrounding Delta. Riverside wore green and purple uniforms for #AnnaWillWin Day at CCHS when Riverside came for a game in Cleveland.
“We loved seeing all the support from Anna’s cheer teammates at Northwest and fellow Wolves Softball Alumni. It was a beautiful night, and Anna’s first pitch was a perfect strike.”
Waldbesier was excited about catching Davis’ pitch right before the game.
“It was quite an honor to catch her pitch, because we had been teammates for so long,” said Waldbeiser. “I”ve known her since we were both in middle school playing together. She’s always been such a positive, happy person and that showed. She acts just the same. She was smiling, laughing and being her same old self.
“She’s one of the strongest people we know,” added Waldbeiser. “She’s such an inspiration also keeping her smile. Every time I see her, she smiles.”
Senior Jada Kinney, a Rust College signee, said Davis was always happy when she played at CCHS.
“I enjoyed playing with Anna,” said Kinney. “It was nothing but smiles and laughter around her. You would never see her get down on herself. Anna was a great teammate, and I wish her the best.”