Two-Time Cancer Survivor Lost A Leg But Not Her Desire To Compete

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — With every swing and hit, Adrienne Slaughter is one step closer to her dream of returning to the tennis court to compete.

"I was looking forward to a future as a tennis professional. That was my life," she told CBS2's Lisa Sigell.

At the age of just 14, Slaughter was gained notoriety through articles that said that she'd go pro.

Then, the headlines changed.

As a freshman in high school, Slaughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. The tumor was in her knee and the cancer had spread.

With just a one-percent chance of survival, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

"When I awakened from surgery on a Monday, I looked at the end of my bed and there was my doctor. And I asked him, 'Did they amputate?' And he said, 'Yes.' And I closed my eyes and went back to sleep," she said.

With her dreams of becoming a tennis star gone, it was the only way she could deal.

But in time, Slaughter found new passions and remained positive. She also stayed active and continually pushed herself to the limit.

Decades passed and Slaughter thought the worst was over. But 28 years after surviving bone cancer, she had another battle to face with breast cancer.

"At first, the doctors found the cancer in my right breast. But I still didn't want to take any chances so I had a double mastectomy. In surgery, the pathologist found cancer in the other breast," she said.

Now, five years later, Slaughter is cancer-free and sharing her story with other cancer patients and survivors.

"I truly feel that there is a reason for me to be alive. To bring more smiles to the world. To motivate," she said.

Slaughter is currently waiting on a grant for a new leg, and once she gets it, she plans to compete again. For more information on Slaughter, click here.

CBS2 and KCAL9 are the proud media sponsors of the fifth annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K, a non-competitive walk in Orange County. The walk is scheduled for Oct. 5, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Click here for more information.