TEAM MALIA
How you can support a little girl with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer...
My friend's daughter, Malia, a super sweet girl of almost three, was diagnosed in mid April 2011 with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. She had very little symptoms and it is a devastating shock. The middle photo above was taken while in the hospital last week having her cancer staged; we're still hoping the 86 Princess BandAids heal her but another course of action has been taken, too.
The cancer has metastasized into her cranium, legs and a large tumor beside her kidney which is pressing on her aorta. Her mother, Megan, and I have been friends for nearly two decades. During our years of playing competitive soccer we were fierce rivals on the pitch and great friends off the field. Below are some fabulously embarrassing picture of us, c. early 1990s.
Megan and her husband Glen moved to FL two years ago to support his endeavors as the 'Old School' Triathlon competitor. He kicks butt in Ironman and full triathlon competitions swimming in cargo shorts, riding on a BMX bike with a skateboard helmet, wearing black cotton/poly 50/50 tshirt -- no fancy gear. He has used his quest to share the idea that everybody can live a healthy life and can have fun with exercise without expensive gear. The above picture of Glen & Malia is from his website: http://oldschoolfamilyfitness.com/.
The family is doing a lot of testing and starting chemo this week, April 15th. Glen and Malia have moved back to MA to get treatment in Boston; Megan will have to travel to and from FL & MA for her work (health insurance) for the unforeseen future. The first treatment course looks like 10-12 months.
They're going to need a lot of support. Thankfully they're tremendously loved as the outpouring has already been wonderful. A fundraiser is set in Plainville, MA for May 14.
The cancer has metastasized into her cranium, legs and a large tumor beside her kidney which is pressing on her aorta. Her mother, Megan, and I have been friends for nearly two decades. During our years of playing competitive soccer we were fierce rivals on the pitch and great friends off the field. Below are some fabulously embarrassing picture of us, c. early 1990s.
Megan and her husband Glen moved to FL two years ago to support his endeavors as the 'Old School' Triathlon competitor. He kicks butt in Ironman and full triathlon competitions swimming in cargo shorts, riding on a BMX bike with a skateboard helmet, wearing black cotton/poly 50/50 tshirt -- no fancy gear. He has used his quest to share the idea that everybody can live a healthy life and can have fun with exercise without expensive gear. The above picture of Glen & Malia is from his website: http://oldschoolfamilyfitness.com/.
The family is doing a lot of testing and starting chemo this week, April 15th. Glen and Malia have moved back to MA to get treatment in Boston; Megan will have to travel to and from FL & MA for her work (health insurance) for the unforeseen future. The first treatment course looks like 10-12 months.
They're going to need a lot of support. Thankfully they're tremendously loved as the outpouring has already been wonderful. A fundraiser is set in Plainville, MA for May 14.
How you can help:
* Raffle item donations: A fundraiser with raffle is being organized to support medical costs; any left over funds will go toward Malia's college fund (even though she'll probably get a D1 soccer scholarship). This is tax deductible through Soccer for Kids' Sake, tax ID# 04-3480734. Donation must be in by May 5 so please act swiftly. Contact Randy and Sandra Spencer at 508.316.3539 or rspencer@rjspencerlaw.com
* Financial contributions: Similar to above, make donations payable to: Soccer for Kids Sake, write 'Malia' or 'Jusczyk' in the memo. Send to: c/o the law office of Randy James Spencer, LLC, 51 Man Mar Drive, Suite 3A, Plainville, MA 02762. Don't forget to ask your employer, your church, etc.
* Attend or Help at the Fundraiser: May 14, 7-11pm. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Plainridge Race Course, 301 Washington St Plainville, MA 02762-1314. To attend or help before, during or after the fundraiser, please contact Sandra Spencer at 508.316.3539 or sandramariaspencer@comcast.net
* Meals: contact Amy Peterson Cross at zoee10502@hotmail.com to bring meals to the family in Boston. May also send delivery or gift certificates to support the family with much needed nourishment.
* Airline miles: Since Megan will be commuting between FL & MA weekly, airline miles, vouchers, etc, would be extremely helpful too. Contact me at yogawithjessika@gmail.com
* Financial contributions: Similar to above, make donations payable to: Soccer for Kids Sake, write 'Malia' or 'Jusczyk' in the memo. Send to: c/o the law office of Randy James Spencer, LLC, 51 Man Mar Drive, Suite 3A, Plainville, MA 02762. Don't forget to ask your employer, your church, etc.
* Attend or Help at the Fundraiser: May 14, 7-11pm. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Plainridge Race Course, 301 Washington St Plainville, MA 02762-1314. To attend or help before, during or after the fundraiser, please contact Sandra Spencer at 508.316.3539 or sandramariaspencer@comcast.net
* Meals: contact Amy Peterson Cross at zoee10502@hotmail.com to bring meals to the family in Boston. May also send delivery or gift certificates to support the family with much needed nourishment.
* Airline miles: Since Megan will be commuting between FL & MA weekly, airline miles, vouchers, etc, would be extremely helpful too. Contact me at yogawithjessika@gmail.com
Please share this with as many people as you know who have shown any signs of empathy and/or at least a beating heart. Pacemakers count! Your employer, church, school, sorority/fraternity, coworkers, neighborhood patrolman, dogwalker, sister, babymama and bus driver are also great people to approach.
Malia is a fighter. It took both of her parents and three hospital staff to hold her down for some recent shots -- so she's got the right spirit. I hope you'll join in helping TEAM MALIA.
Please let me know if you are able to join so I know who to thank and also who to look for at the gates of heaven.
No effort or caring gesture is ever lost.
With love & gratitude,
Jess
 Meg & Jess: Just before winning MA State Cup, 1992. |
 Meg & Jess: In Sweden for first international soccer competition wherein we won the world's two largest soccer tournaments, 1993. |
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