Jonna's story is not a conventional story. A story that agitates, but at the same time gives strength to live life with intensity. So Jonna tells us, in first person, her experience.
Jonna's story is not a conventional story. This Danish born in 1992 started in the world of BMX managing to be Danish and Scandinavian champion of the discipline. After BMX, she tried modes like Enduro and DH where her EWS World Cup and UCI DH participations in the last few years have been her way of life ever since.
In a competition she met Manuel, a Mexican driver who invited her to go on vacation to his country. There she fell in love with the country, and with it too. Since 2019 she has been living in Mexico surrounded by mtb bikes. It was also there that she was diagnosed with cancer, which she overcame thanks to her will to live, Manuel's support and her passion for cycling.


A story that agitates, but at the same time gives strength to live life with intensity. So Jonna tells us, in first person, her experience of her:
ANY DAY
I found out I had cancer while in Mexico after having a lump in my throat checked. It was a big blow. "I'm dying?" - is the only thing you think about in the beginning. After this you say "do not" and then "How can I tell my family?" . Explaining this to my family in Denmark via video call was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I flew to Denmark, and after two weeks of multiple studies and scans, I had my final diagnosis, with the doctor's reassuring news that "my chances of recovery were good", with immediate thought, "I'll make it!"
THE TREATMENT
Chemotherapy is a strange challenge. It takes away all the energy and at the same time is saving your life, it seems to slowly tear you apart. I had to find the peace of mind to slow down my life, get enough sleep to recover and remember to keep eating right to fuel the struggle I was inside.
And I didn't know it, but each person gets their own chemotherapy "cocktail", specific to the type of cancer, state and general physical health. I have had 3 consecutive days of chemotherapy every 2 weeks, for 6 treatments. About 8 hours of chemo and antibodies at a time, chemo pills, bone marrow booster injections and several anti-nausea pills and antibiotics to help defenses, because chemo destroys the immune system.


THE POWER OF THE BIKE
I was lucky enough to still be able to pedal a bit while I was in full treatment, which made all that time easier. Also, my family and friends have been very supportive,
they took the time to take walks that awaited me and even towed me to have a great day in the woods before my last chemotherapy. I was a little surprised at how weak the chemo left me, but the technique was still there; therefore, "alone" I had to regain strength and confidence. In a way, getting back on my bike was like a reminder that all the good was yet to come.
EVERYTHING IS FINE
When I was told, it was a relief! I was expecting to get that news in December 2020, but my PET scanner wasn't 100% so I had to wait another 2 months. I had prepared myself for the bad news, so when the doctor told me "everything looks fine", I had to ask if that meant I was cancer free. He said yes. I think my mom reacted more positively than me, but I can also imagine how difficult it was for her at that time. Having people around you who care is both difficult, because you don't want to be the reason for that pain, and a relief to have loved ones who make you feel happy, loved and motivated throughout the process!


RETURN TO NORMALITY
I've always liked the feeling of going out and pedaling. And from the day I cycled again after being in the hospital, it gave me extra energy for the whole process. The return to racing came with a lot of nerves, anxiety and a desire to do well. I was at my best just before this all happened; therefore, it was hard not to push myself and expect the same level of myself again. But recovery takes time.
I started running and ran my first DH World Cup and EWS with only 4 months without cancer. And while it was difficult, it was also incredible. Dream places, fantastic trails, meeting great people and being able to fight to follow the fastest women in the world. Always looking for the best of myself and pursuing my goals on a bicycle. Life around the bike has given me so many good memories, friendships and adventures, that I can't imagine what my life would have been like without the bike.
