Figure Skater Announces Heartbreaking Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

A former figure skater has announced a heartbreaking Stage 4 cancer diagnosis on social media. NHL prospect Austin Roest announced that his girlfriend, former figure skater Milara Okabe, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The Nashville Predators prospect is calling Okabe the 'strongest' person that she knows, while adding that he knows she'll overcome the cancer battle. 'Milly, I don't even know what to say. I am so sorry this is happening to you. No one deserves to go through this. That being said, I have no doubt in my mind you will beat cancer. You are the strongest person I know and I know you will overcome everything that comes your way over the next year. I love you so much and I will be right there with you through all of this❤️ We have also started a GoFundMe to help support Milly and her family during this difficult time,' he shared on Instagram. Okabe has been diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that lives in the organ glands. 'There's a lot of fear of the unknown, but what I do know is that I am extremely lucky in this life to have friends that are family, and a family that loves me this hard. A GoFundMe has been started to help support me and my family during this difficult time. ❤️ Sharing the link is just as appreciated and helps more than you know. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in any way. I'm so extremely grateful,' she wrote. 'Milara is so much more than her diagnosis. She is a kind, strong and selfless person who means so much to everyone around her,' the GoFundMe read. 'Skating has always been a huge part of Milara's life. After spending years as a high-level skater herself, she now loves being able to share that passion by teaching kids how to skate. Outside of the rink, she is constantly with the people she loves the most – her friends and family, as well as simply having the most fun in everything she does. 'As Milara goes through treatment, her family is doing everything possible to remain by her side. Along with the emotional weight of her diagnosis, she is now facing time away from work, travel and accommodation costs, medications, fertility preservation, and many other unexpected expenses.' As of Tuesday morning, more than $80,000 has been raised. This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.