Allies for Alyson

On January 16, 13 year old Alyson, a fun loving and incredibly talented artist, was admitted to the pediatric oncology unit at St. Joe’s Hospital.  The next day, a volleyball sized malignant tumor was removed from her abdomen.  She was diagnosed with a rare, very aggressive form of Ovarian Cancer for such a young child.  Aly has now been diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma.  As this is rarely seen in children of her age, St. Joe’s sent her to Memorial Sloan Kettering.  As of February 7, they have found 3 more tumors in her stomach cavity, with tumors forming in her lungs and her lymph nodes have grown twice the size since the beginning in January.  Aly has begun intense chemotherapy treatment and is facing more surgery in April followed by radiation treatment.  Alyson has a long and hard road ahead of her, but is facing it with grown up strength.  She has been remaining positive and optimistic as she begins to fight.  She talks of her hopes of feeling well enough to see her friends graduate 8th grade in June.  As Aly fights against her cancer, her family members have been by her side every step of the way.  But with past and future surgeries, treatments, travels to the city and more, now is the time for Allies for Alyson to join her in the fight.  As it is so early in this long and difficult fight, we have no idea what kind of expenses her family will have to endure.  The monetary goal for now is $25,000, but it may be changed throughout this journey.  Every amount makes a difference.  All money recieved will be withdrawn and used by Aly's parents, Gina and Gregg, to pay for Aly's medical expenses.   Any extra donations will be given to St. Joe’s Pediatric Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the McDonald House in Alyson’s name.  So many have been adding Alyson to their prayers, and offering their help. We invite you to join Allies for Alyson in this fight. Please feel free to share Alyson's story with other potential Allies.   Sincerely, Dawn, Aly's aunt.