Sunday, September 25, 2011

MONARCHS RAISE $2000 FOR JIMMY FUND

Press Release

Boston, MA– The New Hampshire Monarchs spent Sunday morning walking from Boston College to Copley Square in the 5-mile Jimmy Fund Walk. In a team effort, they collectively raised over $2000 as a member of Team “Cure AT/RT Now” in support of Avalanna Routh, a beautiful 5-year old who warmed the hearts of the entire team and staff.

“I am very proud of our guys for taking part in the fight to conquer cancer,” stated GM/Head Coach Sean Tremblay. “Honestly, I don’t know if we touched Avalanna’s life, or she touched ours more on Sunday. All of our guys were moved by her tremendous spirit and it is a day they will never forget.”

On August 18th, 2006, Avalanna Routh, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), when she was nine months old. These tumors, which are extremely rare strike the brain/central nervous system and they are very difficult to treat. Statistics of children with this type of cancer have less than 5 per cent chance of survival. At that age, Avalanna underwent a 12-hour brain surgery. This surgery has been followed by 5 years of other surgeries, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and continuous radiation therapy. Her treatment today consists of weekly trips to Dana Farber for transfusions and IV chemotherapy. Every third week, she undergoes a heavier round of chemotherapy and every six to eight weeks Avalanna has an MRI scan to show whether these treatments have been effective or the tumors have grown.

Despite all of this Avalanna is now a 5 and 3/4 year old, spirited, sweet funny little girl who loves butterflies, princess stickers and cupcakes. She loves her parents Cameron and Aileen and her dog Charlotte. She fights this disease with grace and humor and touches the hearts of everyone she meets.

Contributions can still be made by visiting the following link:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=449987&supId=337174167

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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