Syracuse Basketball: Tiana Mangakahia ready to battle Breast Cancer diagnosis

Syracuse basketball player Tiana Mangakahia revealed her diagnosis of breast cancer. Here are all the details and what is next for the Orange star.

Tiana Mangakahia, a star for the Syracuse Women’s basketball team, announced via cuse.com that she has been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

This diagnosis came after Mangakahia discovered a “lump on her left breast,” she wrote.

"“Throughout the following weeks, things have progressed quickly. I’ve undergone various tests and got a biopsy on Friday, June 14,” Mangakahia explained in her announcement.  “On Tuesday, June 18, I got the results back and it was a day I will never forget.”"

Mangakahia revealed she would need to undergo chemotherapy beginning on July 5th and will also require surgery after the completion of her treatments.

"“I know this will be tough, but I will get through it. This is just the beginning for me and I will come out stronger. I have much more to accomplish and I hope to inspire others to overcome their own adversity just like I know I will,” Mangakahia explained in her announcement."

Head Coach Quentin Hillsman released a statement of support since the tragic news was released.

"“This is devastating news for Tiana and our entire Syracuse Family,” Hillsman said vis his Twitter account (@CoachQatSU). “I am heartbroken. Tiana is a tough lady. She will have the complete support of everyone associated with our program as she goes through her treatment. Tiana is a grinder and I know she won’t back down from this challenge.”"

Mangakahia referenced the support she has received since this diagnosis from her parents and brothers who have been in contact with her and her doctors despite the time difference.

Support also has been coming from the SU community including from her teammates and coaching staff, and Athletic Director John Wildhack.

The Australian National Team staff has shared their support for the Brisbane native who made her international debut in 2011 in the FIBA U-16 Oceania Championship for her native country.

In less than three hours since Mangakahia tweeted out her announcement with the hashtag #Tough4T, the hashtag has had over 1.5 million impressions and voices of encouragement, strength, thoughts, and prayers from hundreds including from former Syracuse guard, Brittney Sykes, ACC foes, and Orange Nation near and far.

Mangakahia states that her focus has shifted but so has all of our focus as well and we believe Mangakahia when she says. “I will come out stronger. I have much more to accomplish.”

If you’d like to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation you can do so here. Komen is the largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the United States.

From everyone at Inside the Loud House, we are pulling for you Tiana and sending positive thoughts your way in your fight. We will be #Tough4T during your battle and after your victory.