ORLANDO, Fla. (April 29, 2024) — Orlando Pride midfielder Luana has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the Club and Brazilian international announced today. Luana will immediately begin chemotherapy treatment with Orlando Health Cancer Institute, the Club’s official medical partner, and has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list.
“As a professional athlete I have faced many challenges, on and off the field. I have always fought with courage and determination, and this time will be no different,” Luana said in a statement. “I really appreciate the support of my family and friends who have strengthened me in this moment. I also want to thank Brazil’s National Team and Orlando Pride for their unconditional support. I kindly ask that my privacy be respected at this time."
"On behalf of our Club, players, and the entire Orlando community, I want to extend our unwavering commitment to Luana as she begins her treatment. We are thankful to have some of the best medical resources available through our partners at Orlando Health, and we are prepared to do all we can to care for Luana in this moment,” said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. “We fight our battles together, on and off the field, and the Orlando Pride athletes and staff will be side-by-side with Luana and unified in our support of her throughout this process.”
A member of Brazil’s national team, Luana joined the Pride ahead of the 2024 season via transfer from Corinthians. Prior to her diagnosis, the São Paulo native appeared in three games to start the season, totaling 192 minutes.
