Trending Now - Son Honors Mother’s Sacrifice Amid Her Cancer Fight With Basketball Success

WHO:

Yissel Raposo, mother of Yaxel Lendeborg

Yaxel Lendeborg, college basketball player

Pedro Lendeborg, father of Yaxel Lendeborg

Dusty May, coach of Michigan basketball team

Aday Mara, teammate of Yaxel Lendeborg

WHAT:

Yaxel Lendeborg wrote a thank you letter titled "How my Mom Saved My Life" on The Player’s Tribune.

Lendeborg scored 25 points, six rebounds, and two assists in a game against Saint Louis.

Lendeborg was named Big Ten Player of the Year.

Raposo required 12 chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Lendeborg became one of the best college basketball players in 2026.

WHERE:

Camden, New Jersey, where Yaxel Lendeborg grew up.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Lendeborg plays college basketball.

Chicago, Illinois, where Raposo plans to travel for a game.

Arizona Western College, where Lendeborg played before transferring to UAB.

WHEN:

February 2026, when Lendeborg wrote the letter to his mother.

March 2026, when Michigan advanced to the Sweet 16.

Lendeborg's senior year in high school, when Raposo intervened in his life.

WHY:

Raposo wanted to ensure Lendeborg made something of himself after he struggled with depression and aimlessness.

Raposo planned her chemotherapy schedule around Lendeborg's basketball games to be near him during the tournament.

HOW:

Raposo drove Lendeborg to Camden Community College for dual enrollment courses to help him improve academically and athletically.

Lendeborg worked at a warehouse to gain responsibility and focus on his future.

(UPDATED March 27, 2026 15:17 UTC)

Yaxel Lendeborg, a standout college basketball player, recently penned a heartfelt thank you letter titled "How my Mom Saved My Life" on The Player’s Tribune, reflecting on the pivotal role his mother, Yissel Raposo, played in his journey. Amidst his impressive performance on the court, where he scored 25 points and was named Big Ten Player of the Year, Raposo underwent 12 chemotherapy treatments for cancer, all while ensuring she could support her son during his games. Lendeborg, who grew up in Camden, New Jersey, credits his mother's unwavering dedication for helping him overcome struggles with depression and aimlessness, ultimately leading him to become one of the top players in college basketball this year.