Cancer Survivor Meets Tennis Icon Maria Sharapova

Once in a while, celebrities and other sport personalities give some of their precious time to visit and entertain children who are sick. Recently, a heartwarming story was featured on the Today Show. It was a story about a cancer survivor and how her love of tennis has helped her beat the deadly disease. She also talked about how she got to meet her tennis idol Maria Sharapova.

Sunny Logan is a 10-year-old cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, which is rare type of cancer in the lymph nodes. Logan has spent most of the time battling the disease at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a research and treatment facility for diseases in children, mainly pediatric cancer. According to the Today Show, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is most respected for revolutionary breakthrough treatment for Burkitt's lymphoma.

"Without tennis, I wouldn't have been as strong," Logan told Today's Jenna Bush Hager. She said that her favourite athlete is Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.

Logan also revealed some good news. She said she is now cancer-free. To celebrate her victory over the killer disease, the Today Show brought her to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for a treat. While Logan was hitting a few balls at the tennis court, she received a surprise visit from her tennis idol.

Logan was delighted to see Sharapova. She said she had no clue that the current World No. 2 will be there. Sharapova was also happy to see Logan. The pair had exchanged some shots and talked about tennis while they were playing.

Logan said she plays tennis before she goes to St. Jude. She plays tennis for a total of around seven hours every week.

Sharapova also gave Logan some memorabilia and told her that she hopes to see her compete in professional tournament one day.

Logan, who made an appearance live on the Today Show, said she was speechless when she saw Sharapova walking toward her. She said she didn't know what to do.

Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to Health Line. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which is vital in helping the body fight infections.

Former American football offensive guard Joe Andruzzi was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Burkitt's lymphoma in May 2007. He has also been able to fight the disease and declared cancer-free in August 2007.