Ali's Army

Rachel Baumert and Jenn Boynton are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Tony Pantoja and Tara Forrest.  All donations will go directly to their account.

      On November 10th, 2020 14 year old Alexa “Ali” Pantoja was diagnosed with Leukemia.  What initially was thought to be an asthma flare, and shin splints from playing soccer has turned into the fight of her life.

Tony and Tara are living every parents nightmare.  2020 has already brought a long job layoff for Tara, and no mother should be expected to work through their child’s chemotherapy. Ali has a 13 year old sister, Ella, who also needs to be cared for.  Due to Covid-19 the only people who can be there by Ali’s side are her parents.  Ella is not allowed.  

Ali is a few days into her expected 3 month hospital stay. She will  have at least 3 rounds of chemo with the possibility of a bone marrow transplant over the next 12 months, and several intermittent additional hospital stay.  With all of this comes medical bills, parking costs, living accommodations, and food while in the hospital.  All on what will now be one income.  Insurance will only cover a portion of these costs.

Your donations will allow Tony, Tara and Ella the ability to focus all their energies on helping Ali kick cancer’s ass. It will alleviate some stress and allow this family to focus on what is truly important in these coming days.

Ali is vibrant, funny, smart and sassy.  She is logical, inquisitive and SO happy.  She is a joy to have around, a friend to all and if you are lucky enough to know her, you love her.

Her best friends will tell you “Ali is talented, beautiful and athletic. She is always there to lend an ear, will help you solve any problem (whether it’s what to wear or an algebraic equation), she always gets you laughing (whether you want to laugh or not), but mostly she is tried and true. She is the most loving and kind hearted person we know.”

Please join Ali’s Army as we support our best friend through the fight of her life.  Any amount will be greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small.