Sunday's game holds deep meaning for Zoe.

An MVC rookie this season, the 22-year-old has had the Vikings Crucial Catch game this weekend circled on the calendar since making the team.

"This game is so much more than football to me," she said. "It's a reminder of why I keep pushing forward through the challenges I've faced."

Zoe is considered a severe-high-risk breast cancer patient. Though she does not have active cancer, her day-to-day bears similarities to someone who does — and she is facing significant surgeries in hopes of preserving her future.

Zoe's story started five years ago, when at just 17 years old she was flagged during a dance physical for breast cancer symptoms. Though her initial care providers expressed concern and recommended an ultrasound at the breast center, a physician there dismissed her symptoms and assured her she would be "fine."

She recalled feeling defeated as she exited that appointment; Zoe continued to experience symptoms that included severe pain in her chest but did not re-address them with a doctor until three years later.

"I admitted that after being silenced and dismissed back in high school, I felt ashamed and ultimately decided to just live with it," Zoe said.

She remains incredibly grateful for her female doctor that day, who did further exams and referred her to an oncology center. Zoe faced additional hurdles there where, despite the fact her grandmother had battled Stage 4 breast cancer and tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, she initially was denied a chest MRI and mammogram, due to her age.

Zoe's mother underwent the testing instead, and she also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly heightens the risk for multiple cancers. More than 60% of women who inherit a harmful change will BRCA1 or BRCA2 will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. By contrast, about 13% of women in the general population will.

A junior in college at that time, Zoe continued imploring insurance companies to approve imaging and finally was able to have her own labs run; she, too, was positive for the BRCA2 mutation.

Zoe and her mother have walked this journey side-by-side. They share the same oncologist and genetic counselor, and they have supported one another through painful testing and appointments, as well as surgical procedures and regular MRIs.

"Going through this experience with my mom has been so meaningful. She has faced her own BRCA2 journey, and seeing her navigate it has taught me so much about strength, advocacy and resilience," Zoe reflected. "I think it's rare that a mother and daughter can sit in a doctor's office and be told the same thing from the same oncologist, and that shared experience has been both surreal and grounding. At the same time, it's been emotional and sometimes scary, because we share a lot of the same risks. But having her perspective and support has made me feel less alone, and it's given me a deeper appreciation for family, health and the importance of being proactive about my own care."

While Zoe's mother has thankfully consistently had clear MRIs, the story has been different for Zoe.

"Although testing positive was emotionally difficult, it gave me the opportunity to finally get all the imaging I needed," she explained. "I'll never forget the phone call with a genetic counselor telling me about the surgeries I would need, how I should have kids before 30, and how I could get a double mastectomy by 25. It was incredibly overwhelming."

The June before her senior year of college, Zoe underwent a triple screening appointment that included an ultrasound and biopsy, mammogram and MRI. She would soon be told the tests had revealed multiple lumps in her right breast, in addition to a stromal fibrosis in her chest that can lead to cancer.

Since her initial diagnosis, Zoe undergoes MRIs every six months that have shown five clumped mass enhancements, some of which have grown, in her breast.

"In the past, my medical team had not been fully confident they were all benign," she explained, "but after multiple second opinions, I currently am considered stable."

The stromal fibrosis and masses sometimes cause severe pain for Zoe, even during simple movements like changing into her MVC uniforms.

"I'm reminded constantly of my reality," she said.

Zoe will likely have surgery to remove the masses before ultimately having a double mastectomy.

"I try to tackle potential anxiety about surgery by staying informed and focusing on what I can control. I make sure I understand each step of the process and what to expect, which helps me feel more prepared," she said. "Although receiving this type of guidance at such a young age is rare, it reassures me that these steps will help me have a healthier future. My mother has already undergone one of her preventative surgeries, and I was there with her the entire time. Seeing her strength and talking with her surgeon was incredibly informative and gave me insight for my own future.

"It feels empowering to be proactive about my health," Zoe added. "Making these difficult decisions — though scary at times — gives me a sense of control and hope, reminding me that I'm actively advocating for myself and doing everything I can to protect my health."

Facing this actuality in her early 20s has been extremely difficult, and Zoe is deeply grateful for the love and support she receives daily from her family, her life partner and the MVC sisterhood.

"Having the support of my coaches, Jacie and Karen, means the world to me. Both inspire me in so many ways and are the epitome of strong women," Zoe said. "They motivate me to stay strong and to face these challenges with kindness and perseverance. Their support also makes me want to do great and be great for them and this team, even amid all the challenges.

"This team has been so supportive, and I've built such close relationships that I feel like I can really lean on them if I need something," she added.

A dancer since the age of 2, Zoe finds comfort and encouragement not only in physically moving her body but in the camaraderie of being part of a team. She danced year-round during her childhood and throughout high school, after which she was recommended to step away due to overuse injuries. Zoe pivoted during her college years to coaching, which kept her near the sport she loves.

"As I slowly healed, I used the studio to try things just for fun; and thanks to my love for the gym and strength training during, I ended up doing things during that time I'd never done before. That was right around the time I was about to enter a chapter of my life that would change me forever," Zoe said. "Dance stayed with me at the beginning of my BRCA2 journey and gave me purpose and drive to live my life to the fullest."

When Zoe — who'd had friends and former teammates join MVC — saw a promotion for the MVC Masterclass, she thought, "I owe it to myself to at least try."

"So I went, alone. And from that night forward, I'd found a brand-new purpose … and knew I was going to try out," she said. "Being part of MVC has been the greatest opportunity I've ever been given. It means everything to me. This organization, this team, this coaching staff and this talent is truly unmatched and rare to find.

"A long and healthy life is such a gift, and to be part of this team for even a small fraction of that is such an honor," Zoe added.

Up to this point, Zoe has traveled much of her medical journey with minimal discussion. But she's now decided it's time to share her story.

"I'm reminded every six months during my MRIs this is my new normal," she said. "With knowing the mission and cause behind Crucial Catch … it just felt like the right time to share, ahead of experiencing this part of my life — and the game — together with my teammates."

Zoe also hopes that sharing her story may encourage others, no matter their age, to look into screening options and address any symptoms they experience that cause concern.

She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and being one's own biggest advocate.

"Age doesn't necessarily mean you're 'too young' for something to be serious, and symptoms should never be dismissed," she said. "As a biology major, I was always doing my own research, which helped me feel informed and empowered when advocating for myself. I know firsthand how easy it can feel to question yourself or worry you're overreacting, but pushing for answers can make up the difference.

"Seek a second opinion if needed," she added. "Your health is worth being persistent."

Zoe says she's changed how she approaches daily life. She's become much more intentional about how she spends her time and energy, focusing on what truly matters: her health, her relationships and pursuing the things she truly loves.

"I try to live a healthy life both physically and mentally. Around the time of my MRIs, I give myself so much grace and allow myself to feel the feelings that come up," she said. "This journey has made me more grateful for the little moments and more determined to live fully, while also advocating for myself and others."

When Zoe takes the field Sunday, she'll proudly dance with multicolored pom poms that represent various forms of cancer and join her teammates — and the rest of the Vikings organization — in promoting the Crucial Catch initiative.

"On a personal level, this game represents hope, strength and the power of early detection," Zoe said. "To be out on the field doing something I love, while also standing for a cause that has directly impacted my life, is incredibly meaningful. It reminds me that my journey has purpose, and that I can use it to inspire others to take care of their health.

"This game is a celebration of resilience and a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty," she added, "we can choose to fight for our future and for each other."