Resilient Through Adversity
ALANA VAWTER WINS 2016 LOCKTON RESILIENCY REWARD
Freshman Alana Vawter plays in the game against Fort Osage High School on Oct. 1. Vawter has been playing softball since she was 7. “Softball is fun because not only are the people great, but everyone loves to win. So whenever we win it just makes it all more fun,” Vawter said.
Freshman Alana Vawter has been covered by many news outlets, including KMBC 9 News and “The Northlander”, because of what she’s accomplished in the sports she participates in despite the adversity she has faced. Alana participates in swim, softball and track. Among her accomplishments, Alana was the only freshman starter the state championship softball team. She has also succeeded in her club softball team.
“She’s highly intelligent,” said head softball coach Jairus Tapp. “She never seems to get nervous.”
Before Alana’s success, she underwent a serious health condition during her 8th grade year. In November 2013, Alana broke out in a severe rash and was rushed to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a rare skin disorder called Stevens Johnson-Syndrome— “A painful rash that spreads and blisters follow,” according to Mayo Clinic. Alana spent six weeks in recovery. Her family visited every day, according to her brother senior Jared Vawter.
“She couldn’t really see out of her eyes, so I would just talk to her,” said Jared.
Some of her recovery was spent in ICU, according to Alana, where her friends and teammates weren’t able to visit her. During her recovery, they redecorated and painted her room while they couldn’t visit her. Alana said she appreciated that her friends and family had the idea, it showed how much they support her.
“My teammates really help; they’re always there for me,” Vawter said. “I feel like I should be there for them more, too.”
After her recovery from the skin disorder and all the success in sports, Alana will be honored at the WIN for KC Women’s Sports Awards Celebration presented by Price Chopper on Feb. 4 at Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Alana is the 2016 Lockton Companies Resiliency Award winner. All of the softball team will be attending, according to head coach Jarius Tapp. Her family will also attend to support her, according to Jared.
“It means a lot to win the award because then others get to hear my story and what I’ve gone through,” said Vawter. “I hope it’s inspiring to others.”
