Arielle Butler’s Journey: At 16, Arielle Butler faced a much more challenging reality, the age where many teens are preoccupied with the typical milestones of adolescence. Growing up at Harding University in Arkansas, where her mother, April, managed a freshman girls’ dorm, Butler’s early years were steeped in a rich, sports-oriented environment. The Butlers lived in a compact 900-square-foot apartment within the dorm, a setting that, while modest, provided a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for Butler’s childhood.
“I had so many different babysitters and people to play with,” Butler reminisces. “All the girls that lived there were so good with me because they were mostly 18-19 years old. We had the basketball team in our dorm too, so I’ve been obsessed with sports pretty much as far back as I can remember.”
This environment, filled with athletes and college students, instilled a love for sports in Butler from a young age. Among the influential figures in her life was Kendra Bailey, a local who frequently visited the Butler household. Bailey, an Arkansas native and a standout athlete, became a significant role model for Butler. Their relationship evolved over the years, and Bailey’s presence was a source of inspiration and admiration.
A Life Cut Short: The Impact of Ovarian Cancer
The trajectory of Butler’s teenage years was irrevocably altered when Bailey was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at just 27. Ovarian cancer, often referred to as “the silent killer,” is notorious for its lack of early symptoms, which often leads to a late diagnosis. Bailey’s prognosis was bleak, with a survival rate of less than five percent at that stage. She passed away on December 22, 2011, less than a year after her diagnosis.
Butler, then a junior in high school, was confronted with the harsh realities of life and loss. “It was probably the first really large perspective shift that I’d ever gone through,” she recalls. “I was kind of like middle of high school, so kind of figuring out who I was or what I wanted to do.”
Bailey’s passing was a profound experience for Butler, who was already navigating the complexities of adolescence. The tragedy marked a turning point, prompting Butler to channel her grief into a mission to raise awareness and support for ovarian cancer research.
Honoring a Legacy: Kendra’s Voice and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of Bailey’s death, her family established Kendra’s Voice, an organization dedicated to raising funds for ovarian cancer research and increasing awareness. The organization’s events, such as the “Kendra’s Voice, Race to be Heard” 5K runs and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, are designed to honor Bailey’s memory while supporting critical research.
Butler has actively participated in these events, including a notable basketball tournament held at Bailey’s high school gym. “It was cool because it was actually at her high school gym where she previously won the state championship,” Butler says. “They had all this stuff honoring her in the gym and her grandparents were there and it was super cool.”
These fundraising activities serve a dual purpose: celebrating Bailey’s legacy and addressing the urgent need for more research and better screening methods for ovarian cancer. Butler is particularly driven by the lack of progress in early detection and the need for improved research funding. “I think a big part of it, other than just honoring her memory, is the lack of research and how astounding that is,” she asserts. “It’s something that obviously needs to be remedied as soon as possible so it doesn’t continue happening to people.”
A New Platform: The APP Women’s Open and Cancer Awareness
Butler’s commitment to honoring Bailey’s legacy extends to her professional career as a pickleball player. In October, she will participate in the APP Women’s Open Presented by The James, a groundbreaking event focused exclusively on women’s pickleball. Scheduled from October 4-6 at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio, this event will be the first of its kind, featuring a split-age format that pairs over-50 and under-50 pro players.
The event, sponsored by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, will also serve as a national platform to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The tournament will feature a significant prize pool of $75,000 and include social programming designed to celebrate and support the growth of women’s pickleball.
“My first thought was that this was going to obviously be a very unique event,” Butler shares. “I learned there was going to be a split-age event, which I absolutely love. Combining an over-50 and under-50 pro player is really cool to kind of span across generations like that.”
For Butler, this event is not just about competing; it’s an opportunity to raise awareness for cancer research and support the fight against the disease. “Women in competitive environments are often pitted against each other or made to feel like only so many women can truly be successful in sport,” she notes. “I’m excited for this event because it’s a great opportunity to help break that mindset and build more supportive relationships within pickleball.”
“The fact this event is also bringing awareness for cancer research is beyond important. Simply being a woman is one of the risk factors for multiple types of cancer. Everything we can do collectively to help fund research for things such as more screening for early detection will help make a difference and provide hope for all those diagnosed in the future.” – Butler
The loss of a young life to cancer is an undeniable tragedy. Yet, through Arielle Butler’s efforts, the memory of Kendra Bailey is transformed into a powerful force for positive change. By dedicating her professional pickleball career to raising awareness and supporting research, Butler honors Bailey’s legacy and strives to make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer.
News in Brief: Arielle Butler’s Journey
Arielle Butler’s life was profoundly impacted by the death of her role model, Kendra Bailey, who succumbed to stage IV ovarian cancer in 2011. Butler, then a high school junior, channeled her grief into raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research through events like Kendra’s Voice. Now a professional pickleball player, Butler will compete in the APP Women’s Open from October 4-6, a tournament aimed at supporting cancer research and celebrating women’s pickleball. The event will also mark the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, featuring a significant prize pool and a split-age format to foster cross-generational competition.
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