ATLANTA — In skateboarding, there are kicks and pushes, which for a local skater and cancer survivor turned TikTok star, can be turned into a euphemism for life as she navigates all the twists and turns of life.
Lindzey Schaffer was often the only girl at the skate park, with the scene being male-dominated growing up.
"And I think that's where I get part of my fight every day at the skate park. I'm fighting through to be with the guys and keep up," she said.
But Schaffer has never had to go at any fight alone as long as her sister Loren Schaffer Rosko is around. The two are best friends, and their contrasting styles, expressions and personalities have garnered much attention online.
"We look different, we dress different. I'm super bubbly and outgoing, and Lindzey's more straight to the point," Rosko said. "But we're so close, and we love each other so much."
And much like the bearings of a board, which keep things rolling smoothly, the close bond between these two, plus the rest of the family, has kept Schaffer kicking. The love and support from her family has continued to push her through life as she's grown more comfortable in her skin as a queer woman.
"I think it's such a blessing, too, that my dad was particularly so in love with Lindzey in the 90s," Rosko said. "Having a queer daughter was not common and he just embraced every bit of it."
This love and acceptance made all the difference when Schaffer became sick from 2018 to 2019. She said that in 2020, after returning from a Colorado snowboarding trip, she experienced intense back pain.
"I got to Atlanta airport and couldn't stand up. At four in the morning, we went to the emergency room and the X-ray showed cancer on all of my bones," she said. "I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer."
Doctors gave her months to live following the diagnosis -- but that was three years ago.
"I don't think I've ever cried over it," Schaffer said. "I've been strong throughout the entire journey and it's for my family."
Unfortunately, it's a pain their family has felt too many times before. Schaffer and Rosko's father died from colon cancer that spread to the brain and their mother is a three-time breast cancer survivor.
"When you think of cancer, you typically think 50 and up. And especially, the type of cancer that my parents have," Schaffer said. "So we didn't think, in our 20s, I would be diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. "
A skateboard, a breast cancer survivor, a fighter - that's how Schaffer describes herself, not to brag or boast but to showcase her will to fight and inspire. And it's been her tenacious spirit, alongside Rosko, that's inspired millions of others worldwide through TikTok.
And when people online are hateful, the duo chooses to give love.
"Pride to me means always being yourself and proud of it," Schaffer said. "Life is short. And I don't think that we realize that."
The two said they will continue living unapologetically and plan to keep growing their social media presence and clothing line, which honors that late father.
"Right now, my scans are very clean," Schaffer said. "I'm currently on chemo once a month. In the future, I hope to be finished with chemo."
Lindzey is also celebrating other important life milestones, such as recently getting engaged to long-time partner Taylor.
"I'm so lucky to have somebody in my life that can understand everything that's going on -- from cancer to traveling to how much me and my sister are gone and moving," she said. "And I just feel very blessed to have somebody by my side every day."
In the meantime, as the sisters continue down the path of life, they plan to put one foot in front of the other and keep kicking and pushing as life rolls on.
"I want people to know that you can do anything you put your mind to and nothing's impossible," Schaffer said. "Keep fighting every single day for what you love and surround yourself with people who love you. And you'll be very successful."
