Tennis legend Serena Williams and snowboarding star Shaun White come from very different athletic backgrounds. Apart from representing America on the global stage, the two have hardly anything in common. But there’s one special person that connects the two sporting legends.

In sports, players see a lot of ups and downs, and people come and go. But physical therapist Esther Lee was different. Not known to many, Lee played a significant role in the professional lives of  White and Williams. The bond shared was so unique and strong that Serena and Shaun could hardly compose themselves when Lee’s life took an unfortunate turn.

Serena and Shaun stay strong for a friend

Dr. Esther Lee played a pivotal role in the careers of the two sporting legends. The tennis star once said, “My dear friend Ester has been a huge part of my own health journey.” So when the news came that Lee had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Serena and Shaun could not believe their ears.

Trying to record a special message for Lee, the tennis champ said, “I don’t think I can do this.” Recalling all the moments they spent together, Serena confessed, “This is gonna be too hard for me.”

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Dr. Esther, based in Los Angeles, is a well-known physical therapist to several famous patients and celebrities. She was also known for being a joy to be around with her friends and for making everyone laugh. Back in July 2020, Lee was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Since then, she has been undergoing treatment for the same.

The bond with Dr. Lee is more than professional

There is no doubt that Lee, Serena, and Shaun connected because of their professional demands. And with time, their friendship transcended beyond the boundaries of professionalism. Talking about the deep bond they shared, Lee shared details of the moment when she told Shaun about her medical diagnosis.

She revealed, “He pretty much told them, ‘look, I might not go if she doesn’t come with me’.” When Shaun learned about Lee’s health, he “broke down”. Speaking about Lee, Shaun said, “I love her to death.” The love was so deep that he even said she meant more than anything to him, even more than his Olympics or other things.

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The bond Serena and Shaun shared with Dr. Lee is a true example of friendship. With Dr. Lee facing a tough time, fans can only pray for things to get better.