2019 Euros champion Samantha Cook has shared the news that she has been diagnosed with lymphoma — a cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system.
The UK-based BJJ black belt, who also has multiple Grand Slam titles to her name, shared the news days ago on social media in conjunction with the account of Royal Jiu-Jitsu — the BJJ academy that she and her partner, fellow black belt Bradley Hill, have been planning on opening.
While Cook’s care will be provided by the publicly-funded NHS, a GoFundMe has also been set up by BJJ black belt Leoni Munslow to help Cook “access specialist addition to care, pay for private options if a delay arises in her current care plan, make memories with friends and family, and generally decrease financial worries at this difficult time.”
Cook, a respiratory physiologist, has long been an outspoken advocate for women in the BJJ community. She has also been vocal about sexual assault and harassment within the sport.
In addition to the GoFundMe, Hill is also advertising seminars to help raise money for Cook and support their dream of opening Royal Jiu-Jitsu. Anyone interested in booking the Polaris veteran has been directed to reach out to him for more information or to organize a seminar.
Those who are able to donate to Cook’s GoFundMe are encouraged to do so here.
