As we all know Cancer does not discriminate. On September 21, 2018, the lives of the Thompson family were forever changed when they took their 13-year-old daughter, Zion, for a routine volleyball physical. After the doctor noticed that Zion's lymph nodes were seriously swollen, he sent her for some blood work, and requested an ultrasound on her neck for the following week. Around 7:15 that night, the doctor called and insisted that the family take Zion to Riverbend Hospital immediately for a CT Scan because her blood work came back with some alarming abnormalities. After waiting three excruciating hours in the ER, Zion finally got a scan at 11 PM. Zion and her family then waited about two more heart-wrenching hours for the results. When the entire family was escorted into a private, dimly lit room with small couches--they immediately knew this sterile room would be forever engrained in their memories. That's when the doctor came in and gave them the blur of the news that their 13-year-old daughter has CANCER! Just in the peak of her teen years when all is suppose to be new and bright, Zion was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. And that’s just what Zion is to so many of us; she is a bright light with an infectious smile and a contagious laugh! 

Although the family is heartbroken and Zion is scared, they know God is with them every step of the way and so are we! As coaches at Willamette Christian School, we had the privilege of watching Zion grow in stature and character. Please help us support Zion and her family in this fight. Moreover, being that Zion's parents are currently facing some financial hardships, your financial support would help Zion and her family cover her mounting medical bills and other expenses related to her care as Zion continues to receive treatments to beat this horrible disease. Zion is ready to fight. Let's fight with her. Please know, that no gift is too great or too small.