New York Tennis Magazine’s Adult Player Spotlight: Darcy Novick

April 27, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Novick_Pic

Darcy Novick is a long-time USTA league player who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 after a routine exam. Here is her story …

My favorite things have always come in twos. Diamond earrings, a pair of Aces, my tennis sneakers, my lucky number 33. Recently, I added my breasts to my MVP (Most Valuable Pairs) list. It was kind of strange actually. To be perfectly honest, I’d never really thought too much about them.

Last December, I realized that there was one thing I really did like about them—the fact that they were a pair and they were mine. “The Girls” had been part of my anatomy since birth, and my recent diagnosis of breast cancer threatened that partnership … a frightening and unpleasant thought for sure.

Through the next seemingly endless days, weeks and months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I discovered that I wasn’t alone in my battle. I was lucky to always have family and friends beside me to hold my hand, make me laugh and remind me that I was strong enough to emerge triumphant at the end of all the craziness. I learned so much through the course of my treatment, but there’s definitely one thing that will stay with me forever. I had some of the best specialists in the world taking care of me, and I will be forever grateful for their efforts, but it was my loved ones, my “buddies,” who saw me through it all.

The secret, the jewel of this situation: The doctors bring the medicine, but LOVE brings the magic. Magic for me came in the form of early morning cups of coffee left outside my door from a dear friend, weekly fresh flowers form a favorite neighbor, a decorated door when I came home from the hospital and much-needed nights of laughter on my couch with my “peeps” when I was too sick and tired to go out. It was these moments that buoyed my spirit, calmed my nerves and reminded me that, despite my circumstance, I really was fortunate, needed and LOVED!
When “The Girls” and I received the “ALL CLEAR” from my first post-treatment scan, the gratitude and relief I felt was almost overwhelming. I’m feeling a bit better and at the point where I want to give back, do whatever I can to promote awareness, encourage early detection, help find a cure and to let people know that “Breast Friends” are the best friends because they can make all the difference in the outcome.

Darcy formed “Bosom Buddies,” an idea that first came about when she decided to take part in the Making Strides walk in October for the American Cancer Society. She wanted a team name, and asked Diane Ventura to help her come up with one. “Bosom Buddies’ was formed. Darcy drew the logo and they had shirts made up for the walk. They were stopped during the walk by people wanting to purchase the shirt. The next day, Darcy trademarked the logo and formed the corporation. The goal of Bosom Buddies is to be a universally recognized symbol of the bond between those battling breast cancer, survivors, victims and the priceless support of those who love them. A portion of all proceeds is donated to the American Cancer Society.

Bosom Buddies is Darcy’s small way of helping you remind your friends and the women you love that you stand with them in their fight against this dreaded disease. If you have a friend with breast cancer, give her a hug, a shoulder to cry on, and most importantly, a reason to smile. Be there. Tell her she’s beautiful. Take her to a movie or give her a Bosom Buddies shirt to support the cause and let her know she’s not alone.

And on a happy tennis note—Darcy is back on the court. She had her first match in late January and won!
To support Darcy’s cause, please visit TheBosomBuddies.com.
 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

January/February 2024 Digital Edition