Arsenal and Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has shared devastating news about her family. The 23-year-old revealed that her mother, Jess, has been diagnosed with stage-four bile duct cancer.
Taking to Instagram, Cooney-Cross posted emotional photos from the hospital. She explained that her mum has cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Sadly, doctors have told the family there is no cure.
"A few days ago, our world changed forever," the young star wrote in her post. "My amazing mum, Jess, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. It's a rare and aggressive cancer, and there is no cure."
The midfielder has returned home to Queensland to be with her mother and sisters during this difficult time. The family is still processing the shocking diagnosis and figuring out their next steps together.
A Touching Tribute to Her Hero
Cooney-Cross didn't hold back in expressing what her mother means to her. She called Jess her hero, best friend, and everything. The footballer credits her mum for shaping who she is today.
"She is the reason I am where I am today, her strength, love, and belief in me has carried me through everything," she wrote. "Trying to put into words what she means to me feels impossible."
The cancer has already spread to Jess's liver and gallbladder, according to the family's GoFundMe page. While there's no cure available, the family hopes chemotherapy might give them more precious time together.
Support Floods In From Football Community
The response from the football world has been immediate and overwhelming. Fellow Matildas stars quickly showed their support in the comments section. Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, and others sent love through messages and heart emojis.
The timing is particularly poignant as Cooney-Cross was just named Arsenal's Player of the Month earlier this week. She joined the English club in 2023 after an impressive showing at the FIFA World Cup. She now plays alongside fellow Matilda Steph Catley at Arsenal.
For Arsenal and the Matildas, this news could affect team planning in the coming months. Cooney-Cross will likely need time away from football to be with her family. The midfielder has been a key player since making her national team debut in 2021.
The family has set up a fundraising page to help cover medical costs and ease financial pressure during treatment. The football community continues to rally around one of their brightest young stars during this incredibly challenging time.
