Blue Valley West HS Swimmers decides to “win every day” while fighting cancer

Kansas City, Mo. – Jack Punwick, Senior of Blue Valley West High School, is used to cheering people for him.

The support for Punwick on Saturday came from Sporting KC fans, who cheered before the game when he was honored.

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His family is always in the stands and always encourages him.

In September, Jack was diagnosed with the Hodgkin lymphoma in stage II.

Blue Valley West HS Swimmers decides to “win every day” while fighting cancer

Nothing ever prepares a parent to hear the words, “her child has cancer,” said his mother Karen Punswick.

Now he celebrates small and big things every day.

“Jack's way of thinking is:” I will do something good every day, “said Eric Punwick, his father.” Whether that gets out of bed or whether he is able to walk around through the block. “

His son's struggle against the disease is heartbreaking for his family.

You want to take over the pain, “he said.” You want to take over the disease. You never want to see your children suffer, ”said Eric.

But big moments are still celebrated.

His mother remembers the emotions she felt when Jack qualified for the state championship.

“I just got up and roared, then I sat down and sobbed,” said Karen Punwick.

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Jack had the feeling of swimming against the flood, but that didn't stop him.

“I kept saying: 'It won't happen to me. It won't happen to me. 'And then it happens to me, ”said Jack.

He took part in swimming practices and competitions between chemotherapy sessions.

“It hurts a lot,” he said. “I got it every second Thursday and was then knocked out in my bed for four to five days. And then the following Monday I was back in training because I just hated staying in my bed.”

In February he made it to the podium at the state championship.

“I am satisfied with the results, I know that I went through so much,” he said.

Jack is now catching your breath. He ended his eight chemotherapy sessions. In April he will repeat the exams.

“I'm just waiting for it,” he said. “Every day gets closer. I know I'll beat it.”

Jack recently received the 2024 Kansas State High School Activities Association Spirit of Sport Award.

His positive outlook helps him to finish with the fact that his year of final is not exactly as he planned. He learns to find beauty in changes.

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“Before my diagnosis, I was totally classified to be a civil engineer,” he said.

The Punwick family warms up for further celebrations.

“If God brings me into this situation, he will take me out,” said Jack.