Jazz Fan Surprised By Autographed Jersey From Rudy Gobert Before Chemo Treatments
Jul 1, 2020, 10:55 AM | Updated: Apr 26, 2021, 3:36 pm
Whitney and Travis Cox (Photo: Travis Cox)
(Photo: Travis Cox)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Just one day before Whitney Cox was due to receive her first round of chemotherapy, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert surprised the avid basketball fan with a personalized gift and words of encouragement. Gobert surprised Cox with a signed jersey and his message of strength.
Travis Cox tweeted out a video of his wife receiving the gift from Gobert. The Jazz center wrote, “stay strong Whitney” on the city edition jersey. After seeing the gift, Cox grabbed her Gobert bobblehead and displayed it proudly with her new souvenir.
“That is so amazing, I can’t believe that,” Whitney said. “I am so excited, I am wearing this one (jersey), he is legitimately my favorite. I am really happy.”
Just in case you need something to cheer you up today, here's my wife (who starts Chemotherapy treatments tomorrow) getting a jersey from @rudygobert27. 💛🧡♥️ #takenote pic.twitter.com/ua7ct8Yi9a
— Travis Lincoln Cox (@TravLCox) July 1, 2020
After a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, Cox was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 2. Nearly a month later, Gobert’s jersey couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I don’t think I can put into words how much it means to us,” Travis said of Gobert’s gift. “Rudy is our favorite. Whit was already planning on wearing his jersey to chemo because she “wants a strong defense” against cancer. The fact that he took the time to do that for her might seem small and insignificant but it was an incredible moment and will be a special memory for the rest of our lives.”
The Coxes have been diehard Jazz fans dating back to the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone. However, Travis says their fandom reached a new height in 2017.
“That season (and every season since) we got [NBA] League pass and watched every single game,” Travis said. “We live in LA so watching the Jazz vs. Clippers playoffs that year was amazing. Ever since then we’ve been certifiably obsessed.”
Gobert’s Gift
After Whitney received the diagnosis, her father reached out to a contact within the Jazz organization to see if anyone could help. That’s when Gobert stepped in.
“[Whitney’s father] just kept saying how nice and cool and eager Rudy was to do this for her,” Travis said. “Whit’s Dad is the one who arranged it and delivered the jersey.”
While Whitney plans to wear the jersey during her treatment, her husband says the jersey represents more than that.
“You can see in the video that any fear or stress or anxiety about the cancer was completely gone in that moment,” Travis said. “And that’s an incredible gift. Thank you, Rudy.”
Last week my incredible wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Now accepting thoughts, prayers, good vibes, and positive energy from our Twitter Fam. ♥️♥️♥️ #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/0XcnSkJB7T
— Travis Lincoln Cox (@TravLCox) June 9, 2020
Despite the diagnosis, Travis says he and his wife are feeling positive about their future.
“Overall we feel optimistic,” Travis said. “We’ve got an amazing support system of family and friends. And we’re doing our best to focus on the good, take it one day at a time, and we’re trying to look at this from the perspective of a big adventure instead of this dreaded trial. Anyone who knows Whit knows how strong she is. She’s the most positive person on the planet so I’m not worried about her at all.”
The Jazz will resume the NBA season in Orlando on July 30 against the New Orleans Pelicans at 4:30 pm MST on TNT and AT&T SportsNet.
A GoFundMe* account has been set up by Whitney’s family during her treatments. Those interested can follow the Coxes journey on Instagram.
*sports.ksl.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. Those considering a deposit to the account should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
