Coco Lazaridis has dreams of competing in gymnastics at the Division I college level on a full scholarship.
If college coaches are looking for someone to inspire others while also achieving great scores, Lazaridis should catch their attention.
That’s because Lazaridis was diagnosed with leukemia at just three months and had to receive a bone marrow transplant at seven months.
She spent a large chunk of her early life at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, receiving treatment and therapy.
At age 3, she began participating in gymnastics.
Now, the Salisbury Township resident is 16 years old and is a level-10 gymnast, meaning she is at the highest level of the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program.
She’s feeling blessed to be 15 years cancer-free and able to pursue her dreams, but hasn’t forgotten how tough the early part of her life was and how much support those still battling leukemia still need.
In 2021, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created The Coco Lazaridis Leukemia Research Fund. Coco and her family are honored to have a partnership with CHOP. Gifts of any amount from friends, family, and other supporters have been designated to this research fund.
On Oct. 3, the Tee Time for Coco — 15 years Strong golf tournament will be held at The Club at Twin Lakes. All proceeds and donations generated will benefit the fight against pediatric cancer, which is considered the deadliest disease faced by children today. Monies raised will go to CHOP through the Coco Lazaridis Leukemia Research Fund.
“Coco is a strong, brave, amazing girl who I call my hero,” said Paige Rusnak, who was Lazaridis’ coach when she began gymnastics at the Parkettes in Allentown and is now a board member for the Coco Lazaridis Leukemia Research Fund.
“I feel truly blessed that this incredible girl and her family came into my life many years ago,” Rusnak added. “Coaching her, becoming family friends, and standing beside her through her journey has been one of the greatest honors. I am so incredibly proud of Coco, who fought through cancer with strength and courage beyond her years. Now, 15 years cancer-free, she stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. She’s become a true role model, showing others what it means to never give up in life.”
Gymnastics has been a lifeline for her as she went through her health journey. The dedication and commitment required to be a success in gymnastics, especially at the higher levels, are not easy. But the perseverance Lazaridis learned through beating leukemia helped her to become the best she can be in athletic competition.
“Gymnastics has really taught me so many life lessons and has made me a stronger person,” she said. “It’s something I fell in love with from the start. Now I want to see it all the way through.”
Lazaridis is thankful for the support she has received, starting with her mom and dad. And she wants to be as supportive as she can to others.
“I love inspiring little children, like the little girls at the gym, and just making sure to let them know that it’s OK to have fun in the gym. I always liked having the older girls talk to me when I was younger, and I want to do the same for them.”
As she has risen through the ranks, Lazaridis has earned more fans.
In 2019, she was the Level 8 state champion in the beam and in the all-around. In 2024, she was first on the bars and in the floor exercise and third all-around in the Sparkle & Shine meet with Trinity Thomas. She has qualified for the Level 10 nationals in Oklahoma City and the American and Hopes Classic in Katy, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio.
She spent seven years in the Parkettes organization and the last two years with Prestige Gymnastics from Hempfield, Lancaster County.
Rusnak, though, remains close to her and is proud of her fight against leukemia.
“Through her dedication to raising money for her fund for children still fighting and her dedication to reach her ultimate goals in gymnastics, she’s changing lives and inspiring everyone around her,” Rusnak said. “Volunteering for the Coco Lazaridis Leukemia Research Fund, and helping to run the golf tournament in her name, is more than an event — it’s a celebration of her strength and the lives she continues to impact. Her spirit and the love her family shares have left a lasting mark on my heart.”
Lazaridis wants to help as many as she can by reaching out.
“Whether it’s in the gym or in the outside world, I like helping girls, especially those who are going through a hard time,” she said. “Like if they are having a mental block on a skill, I can relate. I’ve been here, I’ve done that. It can be hard, it can be discouraging, and you want to give up. But you just have to take it day by day and keep going. You’ve got to keep your chin up. You’ve got to keep trying. I want to be there for them and support them. I just really do like helping and inspiring people and making sure they’re OK. I didn’t give up, and neither should they.”
For more info on the Lazaridis Leukemia Research Fund, go to: https://www.facebook.com/cocofoundation.org/
Nazareth Hall of Fame
The 2025 Nazareth Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Sept. 27, honoring six individuals and one team. The event at the Holy Family Sick and Relief Society in Nazareth celebrates the history of high school sports in Nazareth and recognizes the achievements of our finest student-athletes, while serving as a reunion for teammates, families, friends, and fans.
This year’s honorees:
Sal Calandra, Class of 1985: A three-year starter in boys basketball, Calandra was the school’s fourth boy to score 1,000 points and finished with 1,099 points. He was the captain of the 1985 Colonial League championship team and was named to the Colonial League all-star team. At graduation, he was among the school career leaders in assists, free-throw percentage, and games played.
Taylore Jarvis, Class of 1999: Jarvis was the Pequot Society Ideal Female Athlete as a senior after being earning nine varsity letters, including four each in softball and basketball. In softball, she was a three-time all-conference selection at first base and selected for the Carole Weil All-Star Classic as a senior. Her teams won three Mountain Valley Conference titles. In basketball, she scored 1,137 career points and was a two-time league all-star. As a freshman, she was the goalie for the boys JV soccer team.
Tyson Klump, Class of 2016: A two-time PIAA wrestling champion (2015 and 2016), a two-time Northeast Regional champ and a District 11 champion, Klump was the recipient of the Jeff Tripp Memorial Award for the best career record in 2016. He was the school’s nominee for the District 11 Scholar Athlete award. He had a career record of 102-47.
Michael A. Kraemer, Class of 1975: Kraemer earned seven varsity letters and was the school’s Ideal Male Athlete in 1975. In football, he was named to the Big 33 team, and was a Lehigh-Northampton League all-star and the Express-Times first-team all-area quarterback. He was a basketball captain his senior year and was all-league in both his junior and senior years.
Sam Senneca, Class of 1971: Senneca was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was captain of the 1970 football and basketball teams. He was a Big 33 nominee, an Associated Press third-team all-state selection, and a first-team choice in the Lehigh-Northampton League.
Conrad “Connie” Shimer, Class of 1958: Shimer was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the captain and quarterback of the 1957 football team and earned all-Lehigh-Northampton League honors in both his junior and senior seasons in basketball.
1980-82 Boys Basketball Teams: Led by Hall of Fame coach Barry Boyer (2019) the Blue Eagles had a three-season run when the team won 52 consecutive Colonial League games and three league titles. The 1982 team capped the run with the school’s first District 11 championship. Overall, the three teams had a 76-13 record and appeared in two district title games. Team leaders included three Hall of Famers — Harry Fatzinger, Chuck Dibilio, and Michael Boyer, who were all captains.
The Nazareth Area High School officially established an Athletic Hall of Fame on August 18, 2018. Since then, there have been five classes inducted. There is a display of these individuals’ names in the lobby of the Raymond J. Nunamaker Gymnasium, and more information is available at www.nazarethathletichalloffame.com.
