Love for Nola

Nola Browne, the youngest daughter of Michele Molea and Ted Marotta, was recently diagnosed with Epitheliod Sarcoma, which is a rare soft tissue cancer even more rare in children. There were malignant nodules found in her lungs and potential lymph node infection near the tumor in her right hip. Her lungs are leaking air into her chest through pinhole openings which compromise the ability of her lungs to work efficiently. Nola has been through countless scans, tests and bloodwork already.  The tentative plan is for her to begin chemotherapy this week.  

Nola knows she has cancer, but doesn’t know the risk to her respiratory system nor the effects from chemo treatments. She will learn and unfortunately live those effects over time at a pace appropriate for a 9 year old. Her older sister Neve, who is 12 years old, knows a bit more than Nola does but still can’t possibly comprehend the effects on their family.  As their strong, brave mother Michele has told them both, “You may hear all sorts of stories about other people who have had cancer, but those stories are not Nola’s story.” 

Nola is a sweet, kind, funny, smart nine year old who loves the color blue, Irish Step Dancing, basketball and arts & crafts.  She has amazing dimples and a silly, giggly laugh.  The road for Nola and the family will be long, rough and complicated.  The hope is that this Go Fund Me page will allow maximum family time through difficult days; relieve the stress of worrying about gas money & parking for the many trips to & from the hospital 1½ hours away; medical procedures that may not be covered under their insurance; getting healthy meals for the girls; and hopefully allow for some frivolous fun time to create good memories during the course of treatment.

 Please consider donating.  Any amount would be helpful and welcomed. It’s a good way to pay it forward, or, for any friends of Ted and/or Michele, to return kindness and friendship.