Cancer Survivor Finds Joy in Pickleball at Omaha YMCA

Dozens of summer campers packed the Southwest YMCA gym in Omaha Thursday to watch Steve Jensen play pickleball against an unusual opponent: a giant dog mascot.

Jensen is battling stage 4 prostate cancer, but you wouldn't know it from watching him on the court. His friend Jesse Carr, owner of Super Scooper Omaha, suited up as his company's mascot to challenge Jensen to a friendly match that had the whole room cheering.

The game marked a celebration of how far Jensen has come since joining the YMCA's Livestrong program for cancer survivors. He had never heard of pickleball before his cancer diagnosis.

"I never even knew of the game until I came here and had cancer," Jensen said. "When they gave me a tour of the facility, they opened the door. I heard the paddle, the ball and I was like, what is this? And I was hooked."

What started as a simple tour turned into a daily passion. Jensen now plays regularly with a group of fellow members who call themselves the "Pickle Heads." The friendships he's built have become just as important as the physical activity.

YMCA Executive Director Mike Robinson says Jensen has become a fixture at the Southwest branch. His positive attitude and dedication inspire both staff and other members facing their own challenges.

Why This Inspires

Jensen's message to others facing cancer is simple but powerful: don't isolate yourself. He believes staying active and connecting with community made all the difference in his journey.

"I have cancer, but I'm not sitting at home," Jensen told the cheering crowd. "Let's get out and have some fun."

The special match brought together multiple generations, with young campers learning about resilience from someone who refuses to let his diagnosis define him. Jensen hopes his story shows that finding joy during difficult times isn't just possible, it's essential.

For Jensen, pickleball became the unexpected gift that came with his cancer diagnosis. His advice to anyone facing a similar battle: find your thing, whatever it may be, and lean on your community to get through it.