The figure skating community is rallying around a young athlete after a devastating health revelation. Milara Okabe, a former competitive skater, has shared that she is facing Stage 4 cancer, a diagnosis that has sent shockwaves through her world and the sports world alike.
Okabe's boyfriend, Austin Roest, a prospect for the Nashville Predators, took to social media to break the news and express his unwavering support. In an emotional post, Roest called Okabe the strongest person he knows, adding that he has no doubt she will conquer this battle. He also announced the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to help with the immense financial strain that comes with cancer treatment.
“Milly, I don’t even know what to say. I am so sorry this is happening to you. No one deserves to go through this. That being said, I have no doubt in my mind you will beat cancer. You are the strongest person I know and I know you will overcome everything that comes your way over the next year. I love you so much and I will be right there with you through all of this❤️ We have also started a GoFundMe to help support Milly and her family during this difficult time,” he wrote on Instagram.
Okabe, who has traded her skates for coaching roles in recent years, is battling Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that affects the body's glandular tissues. In her own social media post, she acknowledged the fear of the unknown but expressed gratitude for the support system surrounding her.
“There’s a lot of fear of the unknown, but what I do know is that I am extremely lucky in this life to have friends that are family, and a family that loves me this hard. A GoFundMe has been started to help support me and my family during this difficult time. ❤️ Sharing the link is just as appreciated and helps more than you know. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in any way. I’m so extremely grateful,” she shared.
The GoFundMe page paints a picture of a vibrant young woman whose life has been upended. It describes Okabe as a kind, strong, and selfless person who has dedicated herself to teaching children to skate, sharing her passion for the ice. Outside the rink, she is known for her infectious fun-loving spirit, always surrounded by friends and family.
Now, as she faces an arduous journey, her family is doing everything they can to stay by her side. The campaign highlights the many hidden costs of a cancer fight: time away from work, travel and accommodation for treatments, medications, fertility preservation, and other unexpected expenses. The outpouring of support has been swift, with the sports community uniting in a show of solidarity.
This news echoes the recent loss of former NFL wide receiver Arthur Marshall, who died at 57 after his own battle with cancer. And just as Boston radio host Marc Bertrand urged listeners to get checked after his diagnosis, Okabe's story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of early detection.
As Okabe begins this fight, she does so with a legion of supporters behind her. Roest's promise to be by her side through every step is a testament to their bond, and the GoFundMe campaign stands as a lifeline for a family navigating uncharted waters.
For now, the skating community and the hockey world are holding their breath, sending love, and hoping for the best. As Okabe herself said, she is grateful for every ounce of support, and that support is only growing.
