Lauryn Watkins dances into University of Oklahoma Pom Squad
Lauryn Watkins was born April 26, 2005, in Ada, Oklahoma. With five siblings, her childhood was never boring.
Encouraged by her mother, who instilled in all her children the importance of chasing their dreams, Watkins embraced dance as more than just an interest – it became a top priority.
“I wanted to focus on dance,” Watkins said. “That’s what I really enjoyed.”
Unfortunately, extracurricular activities took a back seat for Watkins at a very young age when she was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer primarily affecting bone marrow. ALL leads to an overproduction of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
“These immature white blood cells are referred to as ‘blast cells’ which never fully develop to fulfill their purpose of fighting infection properly,” Watkins said.
This leukemia can also impact red blood cells and platelets, which often leads to disruptions in normal blood function.
Symptoms often include unexplainable fever, extreme fatigue and easy bruising or bleeding. Watkins’ symptoms began when she was only 4 years old.
“I had random, mysterious fevers that would spike to nearly 103 degrees but would only last for a few hours,” Watkins said. “They would disappear just as quickly as they’d arrived.”
Watkins, a Chickasaw citizen, also recalled feeling leg pain near the area above her left knee before diagnosis.
“I remember one day when I was at preschool, my leg was really hurting, and I couldn’t walk on it,” Watkins said. “We were in line to go to recess, and I just grabbed the table because I couldn’t move.”
Watkins met with specialists at OU Children’s Hospital where her unexplainable symptoms became a diagnosis with a treatment plan.
“My treatment plan involved intensive chemotherapy administered in three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance, plus additional proactive measures to prevent the spread of leukemia to my central nervous system,” Watkins said.
Her first treatment began Feb. 24, 2010, two months shy of her 5th birthday. Watkins received her final spinal tap and bone marrow aspirate June 6, 2012. On June 16, 2014, she received her last dose of chemotherapy. Four years of rigorous medical care had ended.
“The first year post-treatment has the highest percentage risk of relapse, so I had to continue to be closely monitored,” Watkins said. “I think my family all held their breath for that entire year hoping, praying and believing cancer would not destroy their hearts again.”
Almost 13 years since her last treatment, Watkins is still in remission and thankful every day. She said the experience opened her up to the idea of pursuing a career in science.
“There is no doubt cancer has had a huge impact on my life,” Watkins said. “Because of my experience, I am pursuing a degree in the medical field.”
Watkins is currently enrolled as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma (OU). She is studying biology and hopes to be accepted into medical school after graduation.
Outside of her studies, Watkin’s extracurricular activities also keep her busy. She is a member of the OU Chi Omega chapter, teaches a hip-hop class to children at a local dance studio and is a member of the OU Pom Squad.
“My favorite part about pom squad has been the friends I’ve made,” Watkins said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without them now.”
Watkins said committing to the responsibilities attached to being a member of the OU Pom Squad has been challenging, but her time on the Cougann dance team at Ada High School prepared her for the task.
“Being a Cougann was an amazing part of high school,” Watkins said. “I loved it so much. It was very defining, and it really sparked my interest in college pom.”
Watkins said she competed for a spot on the OU Pom Squad during the second semester of her senior year of high school. The OU Pom Squad has historically consisted of 18 to 26 members, although several girls try out for the team each year. Members are expected to perform in categories such as jazz and hip-hop while also having proper gymnastics training.
Watkins said she has loved the transition from performing at high school football games to collegiate games.
“Obviously, I have done dance for a while and performed in front of a lot of people, but this was on a whole new level,” she said, describing her first performance at an OU home football game in 2024. “I remember being a little nervous, but it was so fun. This is such a cool experience I get to be a part of.”
At only 19, Watkins is taking the world by storm. She said her battle with ALL helped her become the confident, strong young woman she is today.
“I think my experience with childhood cancer definitely has made me stronger in a sense where I know God’s going to carry me through anything,” Watkins said. “I have a purpose to carry out. I think that’s a huge part of what makes me who I am.”
Watkins said she was thankful to the Chickasaw Nation for its involvement in her treatment process.
“The Chickasaw Nation saved my life and helped my family tremendously throughout my treatment,” Watkins said.
Watkins said she continues to utilize Chickasaw Nation programs and services, and she hopes to one day give back to her tribe.
“The Chickasaw Nation has always made a positive impact on my life,” she said. “I was born at the Carl Albert hospital, received most of my health care at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, received incentives for making good grades throughout school, and grants for clothing and extracurricular activities. They’ve provided scholarships to help fund my undergraduate (degree). It’s my desire to one day work for the Chickasaw Nation as a physician to help repay all that my tribe has done for me.”