Third Cancer Battle for Maher Family

Eric Capper is organizing this fundraiser.

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Molly Maher is in 8th grade and in the prime of her childhood. She loves horses, spending time with her friends and family and her church youth group. At 14, she shouldn’t have to worry about CT and PET scans, chemotherapy, and wigs.

In January, Molly’s life was forever changed. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her parents noticed a lump on her neck over Christmas break, which led to tests, a biopsy and the diagnosis. She is currently in stage 3A, with cancer in her lymph node system in her neck, chest, and lower abdomen area. Her first round of chemotherapy in late January came with a severe reaction to the medicine, which essentially put her into anaphylactic shock. Her second round in early February produced the same effect. Despite having some of the best doctors and an outstanding hospital system to treat her, nothing has gone as planned for this middle schooler.

Molly is the middle daughter of Mitch and Tara Maher. Mitch is a former University of North Texas quarterback and the lead pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Katy, Texas. Tara is a school nurse. Both are recent cancer survivors. In December 2017 Tara was diagnosed with breast cancer. In May of 2021, Mitch was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Now, this young family is in their third battle with the disease.

The faith of the Maher family is inspirational. Through all these trials and tribulations, they have attacked every challenge head on. They have never once complained, or asked, “why us?” In the true spirit of a 14-year old, Molly’s most looming concern is the loss of her hair and how long it will take to regrow. They have never questioned the journey that God has them on.

In the wake of this terrible disease, families are often left financially burdened and emotionally exhausted. Molly has had to leave the comforting support system she has at school. Tara has had to step away from her job as a school nurse to take care of Molly. They are now relying on the sole financial support of Mitch and the church.

We are reaching out for financial support to help Molly and the Maher family. As you can imagine, dealing with three cancers in five years (along with the normal stuff of putting two daughters in braces and sending another off to college) has done a number on their savings account—meeting multiple deductibles, securing an adjustable bed for Mitch, and a host of other logistical expenses. Now that Tara is not working the strain has only been accentuated. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of the financial burden and allow all of them to focus their energy on beating this disease and having a happy, healthy childhood that most of us take for granted. Every dollar raised (100 percent) will go to help Mitch, Tara, Macy, Molly and Maddy as they navigate these difficult waters.

Mitch is a North Texas Athletics Hall of Famer and was the school’s all-time leading passer for 30 years before his record was broke in 2019. He is loyal to his alma mater and a proud supporter of the Mean Green. Now it is time for the Mean Green family to return the loyalty.

While the Maher family is appreciative of every prayer, every good thought, and every financial contribution of any size, they would never ask for it. In consultation with the Board of Directors of Mean Green for Life Letterwinners Association, and as a representative on their behalf, we are collectively asking for help for the Maher family.

Thank you for your consideration.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” Psalm 46: 1-2

Update 2/15/2023 from Tara

Molly completed cycle 2 - week 1 of chemotherapy. Mollys “day 8 chemo" is today. Please pray for no reactions, no fevers (side effect of this chemo), no infections as her counts drop this next week, & for stamina/strength!!