- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Cumming Today
By the People, for the People
Metro Atlanta Coach Finds Support from Hockey Family During Breast Cancer Battle
Diana Chang, assistant coach of the Lady Thrashers community hockey team, leaned on her hockey family during her cancer treatment.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Diana Chang, the assistant head coach of the Lady Thrashers all-female community hockey team in Cumming, Georgia, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022. During her most challenging time, Chang found support not only from her family, but also from her hockey family, who provided phone calls, cards, flowers, and meals. Chang, who grew up playing hockey, especially with boys, views the sport as an escape and a way to stay connected to her community. Despite her diagnosis, Chang has remained passionate about coaching and continues to find joy on the ice.
Why it matters
This story highlights the power of community and the role that sports can play in providing support and a sense of belonging, especially during difficult times. Chang's experience showcases how her hockey family rallied around her during her cancer battle, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the hockey community and the importance of having a supportive network.
The details
Diana Chang, the assistant head coach of the Lady Thrashers all-female community hockey team in Cumming, Georgia, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022. Despite her diagnosis, Chang has remained passionate about coaching and continues to find joy on the ice. Chang grew up playing hockey, especially with boys, and views the sport as an escape and a way to stay connected to her community. During her most challenging time, Chang found support not only from her family, but also from her hockey family, who provided phone calls, cards, flowers, and meals.
- Diana Chang was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022.
The players
Diana Chang
The assistant head coach of the Lady Thrashers all-female community hockey team in Cumming, Georgia, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.
Lady Thrashers
An all-female community hockey team in Cumming, Georgia, where Diana Chang serves as the assistant head coach.
What they’re saying
“Hockey is a very interesting sport in terms of your lasting friendships. They were there to support me through it. I got phone calls, cards, flowers, I got meals delivered to the house.”
— Diana Chang, Assistant Coach, Lady Thrashers (11alive.com)
“It would be a very difficult life without this sport, very much so. I'd still find a way to keep in it, but playing is my true passion. I like watching, I like cheering my friends on. Stepping on the ice is a whole different feeling.”
— Diana Chang, Assistant Coach, Lady Thrashers (11alive.com)
The takeaway
This story highlights the power of community and the role that sports can play in providing support and a sense of belonging, even during the most challenging times. Diana Chang's experience with the Lady Thrashers hockey team demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the hockey community and the importance of having a supportive network to lean on when facing adversity.
