Matildas midfielder and Arsenal player Kyra Cooney-Cross has revealed her mother’s stage-four cancer diagnosis.
Taking to Instagram, the soccer star shared photos of herself and her mother, Jess, in hospital together.
“A few days ago, our world changed forever,” she wrote.
“My amazing mum, Jess, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). It’s a rare and aggressive cancer, and there is no cure.”
Cooney-Cross shared that she’d returned to her native Queensland to be with her mum, her sisters and the family, “as we navigate what comes next”.
“We are still in shock and learning how to sit with the weight of this news,” she shared.
She also took the opportunity to share more about her relationship with her mother.
“My mum is my hero, my best friend, my everything, and the person who has shaped every part of who I am,” the 23-year-old wrote.
“She is the reason I am where I am today, her strength, love, and belief in me has carried me through everything.
“Trying to put into words what she means to me feels impossible.”
Cooney-Cross’s fellow Matildas players immediately took to the comments to share their support.
Ellie Carpenter, Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, Charli Grant, Katrina Gorry and Hayley Raso flooded the post with heart emojis.
Others commented, sending their love and support.
Cooney-Cross’s family have set up a GoFundMe, “to help ease some of the pressure on my mum and Andy during this time,” she shared.
The fundraising page reveals a little more about Jess’s diagnosis.
The cancer has “metastasised (spread) to her liver and gallbladder,” the family explained.
“What we know so far is that this cancer is very rare and aggressive.
“With no options for cure, we are hoping that chemo might give us more time, our family is doing everything we can to support her through the treatment and journey ahead.”
Cooney-Cross is a seasoned football player, having played in the Junior Matildas and the Young Matildas before making her debut on the national soccer team in 2021.
She accepted a bid from Arsenal in 2023, made following her performance in the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
She was announced as their Player of the Month earlier this week.
Cooney-Cross plays at the club alongside fellow Matildas player, Steph Catley.
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