The UCLA core fans must know how much of a plague cancer is to gymnastics. While the arena roared, lights blazed, and gymnasts soared in all seven NCAA titles that were brought under the guidance of Valorie Kondos Field, there was a struggle. While Field built a dynasty of wins at UCLA, she fought a battle of her own, a silent, brutal war: breast cancer. Chemo dripped into her veins while championship dreams pulsed in her heart. Fortunately, she lives today, but breast cancer still plagues gymnastics. This time, a 15-year-old and her dreams.

May 8, 2025 – The Planet of Gymnastics made a post on their Instagram that would squeeze the living color out of many. The first picture of the carousel they posted showed a young girl in a hospital donning the standard blue hospital gown. Her spirit unbreakable, with the thumbs up gesture she was showing with both of her hands. The bottom half of the picture showed a confident and joyful young woman striking a dynamic pose. Donning a white leotard, she gave a bright smile.

The overlay text on the picture read: “15 YEAR OLD GYMNAST FIGHTING RARE BREAST CANCER.” The post was in collaboration with the young gymnast, Eden Raspberry herself, captioned, “Sending so much love to Eden Raspberry, a strong & beautiful 15 year old gymnast, who was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that grows rapidly and requires immediate treatment. @edenrasberrystrong, you have a world of support behind you, strong girl ❤️ I’ve attached Eden’s gofundme link in my bio if you’d like to help her & her family out! #edenstrong”

Unfortunately, yes, breast cancer has yet claimed another gymnast. The gymnastics community is once again heartbroken and devastated, doing their best by sending donations and heartfelt wishes like “Sending prayers💕,” as commented on the post. Described as a dedicated gymnast, loyal friend, and a fighter, she is currently receiving treatment for a Phyllodes Tumor, which is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that grows rapidly and requires immediate treatment.

Given that her form of cancer is extremely rare, the treatment tends to be complex, and her journey ahead will involve chemotherapy and extended hospital visits. And as she undergoes treatment now, the community has been requested to donate to the fundraiser set up for her. As of the time of writing this, $2,175 has been raised on her GoFundMe page, which highlights a target of $4.5 K.

And while the teenager is fighting her battle, the whole of the gymnastics community is sending along kind words to help her sail through.

Gymnastics community sends prayers to the 15-year-old

“Oh man my daughter Eden is 15 and a gymnast too. Sensing all my prayers to you,” commented the mother of a level 9 gymnast, Eden. And if there is anyone who understands what it’s like to go through such a journey, then it is the mother of this gymnast. Another person took to the comment section to say, “☹ you got this queen! 🖤🖤🖤.” And a queen she is. After all the life she has lived so far, she has actively followed her passion for gymnastics.

In a video posted on her Instagram account, she could be seen practising in different spaces, sharing a laugh with her friends, reading the Bible, and making dance videos with her friends. Though the journey might be difficult for her at the moment but the queen still slays her signature smile.

One of the victims of the disease also sent strength to the young gymnast. She commented, “I had the same rare breast cancer at 21! I will be 50 this summer. Praying for you!” Coming from a survivor of the disease would not only give a lot of strength to the gymnast, but also tons and tons of hope. 

Many fans have been sending love and prayers to the young gymnast. One said, “sending so much love and prayers❤,” while another commented, “Keep fighting Eden🫶🏾.” The fundraiser has raised more than 3/4th of the money that is required, and now with the help of the Planet of Gymnastics and the community, we hope she reaches her target. As for us, we want to send the same message to Eden as this fan, “We love you, Eden!! Keep fighting!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤”