17-Year-Old Volleyball Star Faces Rare Bladder Cancer Battle

A 17-year-old volleyball player from Perth, Australia, is currently battling an ultra-rare form of bladder cancer diagnosed just weeks before her high school graduation. Amy Schutze, a promising athlete and community leader, is undergoing significant medical treatment after her life was turned upside down by this unexpected diagnosis.

Amy, who hails from Craigie in Perth’s northern suburbs, was preparing to celebrate her graduation and pursue her dreams of traveling and studying international relations and law in 2027. Instead, she now faces multiple surgeries and a challenging recovery process. In July 2025, she began experiencing mild symptoms that she initially attributed to a urinary tract infection. These symptoms escalated to include chronic fatigue and blood in her urine, prompting her to seek medical attention.

Despite normal test results from her initial urine and blood tests, her family doctor insisted on further investigation. This diligence led to an ultrasound and CT scan revealing a large 5 cm tumour in her bladder. The diagnosis shocked not only her family but also her medical team, as bladder cancer is exceptionally rare in young women.

On August 11, 2025, Amy underwent her first surgery to remove the tumour, only to find that there were eight or nine additional tumours present. Tests revealed that approximately 10 percent of her cancer was the aggressive micropapillary variant, while the remaining 90 percent was classified as urothelial carcinoma. This alarming discovery necessitated a second surgery on August 26, 2025.

Following these initial surgeries, Amy now prepares for a major procedure in Melbourne, where specialists will perform a seven-hour surgery to remove her bladder entirely and reconstruct a new one using her small intestine—known as a neobladder. Surgeons will also remove surrounding lymph nodes, and possibly her reproductive organs, depending on the extent of the cancer’s spread.

“This is a very rare case given my age, and the doctors are uncertain of what to expect,” Amy explained. She anticipates a hospital stay of at least three weeks in Melbourne, followed by a six-month recovery period at home in Perth. Depending on the findings during surgery, chemotherapy may also be part of her treatment plan.

Amy’s diagnosis has forced her to step back from her job at a local sports centre and restaurant, creating financial challenges for her family. To assist with the mounting costs of medical care, travel, and accommodation, her friends and family have rallied together to support her.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Amy remains optimistic. She plans to document her journey through her social media platforms to raise awareness about bladder cancer, particularly among young people. “If you think something’s not right, definitely get tested and speak up for yourself,” she urged, crediting her GP for insisting on further testing despite her initial results.

While Amy will miss out on celebratory events like Leavers Week, she continues to look towards the future with hope. Her resolve reflects a deep resilience as she navigates this life-altering challenge, drawing strength from the support of her friends, family, and community. “It’s been hard dealing with this mentally. The whole thing has definitely changed my perspective on everything now,” she said. “But I know I’ll get through it.”