AIKEN --- Two months earlier, Basil and Robin Legg had plenty to be excited about with the impending graduation of their daughter, Meredith.
In March, Meredith Legg finished her four-year career as the greatest scorer in the history of USC Aiken women's basketball. But as she prepared to graduate with honors, two words rocked her world: malignant melanoma.
Mere weeks after undergoing surgery and radiation to eradicate a tumor in her left eye, Ms. Legg returned to Aiken on Thursday night.
"Tonight it's just a celebration that she's here," her mother, Robin, said.
Just after 8 p.m. at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, Meredith Elise Legg graduated cum laude from the honors program. She received a degree in business administration with a double concentration in finance and management.
"We're so proud of her and how hard she's worked," Mr. Legg said. "She maximized her talent.
"This child has done her best."
As she crossed the stage, a loud cheer went up.
"I'm just happy for her that she's able to be here and able to participate and graduate," Lady Pacers basketball coach Mike Brandt said. "This is just one of those success stories."
In late March, Ms. Legg saw a black shadow in her left eye. The following day, she went to the school nurse, who referred her to a specialist.
A tumor was discovered, and she was sent to Dr. Carol Shields, of the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia. Dr. Shields diagnosed her with ocular melanoma, and Ms. Legg told her new physician of her dilemma.
"I need to get back home to graduate," Ms. Legg said. "All the treatment has to be geared toward that."
Dr. Shields removed the tumor from the back of her eye, and Ms. Legg had seven days of radiation treatment. She is believed to be cancer-free.
At graduation, Ms. Legg wore eyeglasses -- she cannot wear contacts again -- and a bandage covered her left eye.
Her strength continues to build, and she already has a job lined up.
In July, she'll begin her employment in Aiken with URS Corporation, a multinational engineering firm. She'll work in the business development unit on projects and contracts.
In the future, Ms. Legg will have cataract surgery to replace her lens, because the radiation damaged her retina. Doctors are optimistic: In a few months, she might regain her vision.
"I'm hoping a lot, praying a lot that it will come back," Ms. Legg said.
Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.
WANT TO HELP?
USC Aiken is selling automobile decals as a fundraiser for former Lady Pacer Meredith Legg, who is recovering from eye cancer.
A minimum $5 donation is requested for the decals, which display Ms. Legg's No. 24.
For more information, call (803) 641-3486.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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What an amazing story! I hope she regains her sight in that eye.
God bless you.
What an amazing young lady. I too hope and pray she will have a great recovery. I'm glad her treatment schedule allowed her to attend graduation.
I didn't know that Ms. Legg has eye cancer. Anyways, this is a feel-good story, although she will be missed by all of those at USCA. We sure could use her against the Augusta State Lady Jags next year.