Keiko Honda, a former NFL cheerleader, has returned to the cheerleading profession after overcoming breast cancer. At 42, she now joins the Sharks in the Indoor Football League, ready to express gratitude to her supporters. Following her diagnosis, she completed her final season with the Jaguars, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and now advocates for women’s health and early cancer detection.
Keiko Honda, a former NFL cheerleader for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has triumphantly returned to professional cheerleading after successfully battling breast cancer. The 42-year-old has joined the Sharks, an Indoor Football League team, and is excited to express her gratitude to her supporters during her recovery.
In pursuit of her dream, Honda relocated to the United States in 2018, leaving a decade-long career at a trading firm. After enduring tough auditions, she secured a spot with the Jaguars and remained with the team through the maximum allowed six seasons until the 2023–24 season.
In 2019, Honda discovered a lump in her breast but initially dismissed it. Upon returning to Japan in summer 2023 and receiving alarming news from doctors, she was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer during her final NFL season. She faced this challenge with bravery, encouraged by the belief that her cancer was likely Stage 1 and manageable.
Despite fears and uncertainties, Honda completed her final season while undergoing medical treatment, even earning the best cheerleader accolade for veteran members. Following surgery in February 2024, she underwent chemotherapy and faced significant side effects, including nausea and bone pain.
Honda reflected on the strength gained through cheerleading, stating, “Cheerleaders always keep smiling, no matter how tough things get. The mental strength I developed through cheerleading helped me push through.” She managed the emotional pain of losing her hair by embracing her situation, opting to shave her head and don colorful wigs.
Completing radiation therapy in October marked a new beginning for Honda, who pursued her cheerleading dreams with the Sharks. She passed the audition in January and is diligently preparing for the upcoming season opener, where her confidence has been significantly bolstered by her NFL experience.
As an advocate for women’s health and cancer detection, Honda emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups: “Please get regular checkups. That’s all I can say…” Her journey has inspired a desire to extend kindness to others: “I want to be healthy again so I can extend a helping hand to those in need.”
Keiko Honda’s resilient journey from a former cheerleader battling breast cancer to returning to the cheerleading scene underscores the power of mental strength and community support. Her advocacy for women’s health and early detection highlights the importance of regular check-ups, reminding others to prioritize their health. Honda’s determination reflects her commitment to inspire and uplift those who may face similar challenges, illustrating her desire to give back as she continues her career.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
