Join Molly's Cancer Fight

Molly’s mom, Julie, has been my best friend since we met in Mrs. Cook’s first grade classroom. We grew up together then watched each other’s kids grow up. While we’ve both been there for lots of ups and downs, we were heartbroken to learn that Julie’s oldest daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Last Spring, while working to complete her masters degree in speech pathology, Molly began having debilitating back pain. After weeks of tests, scans and hospital visits, she received a diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma, an incredibly aggressive form of cancer that brings with it surgery, radiation and likely nearly a year of chemotherapy. Just as she prepared for graduation, she also geared up for her first round of chemo, which she received exactly one week before she walked across that stage.

I’ve known Molly since she was a little peanut who wanted to do everything on her own. While this independent, bright, resilient, hilarious young woman hasn’t missed a beat (as you can see in this photo of her first treatment), she now faces an unfathomable hurdle just as she was set to head off into life. A week before her diagnosis, Molly was offered her first job as a speech pathologist set to start this fall. Unfortunately, the aggressive chemo protocols used to fight Ewings will make it almost impossible for her to work.

Luckily, Molly comes from the most amazing and loving family, who have already rallied to get her the best care possible. She has great friends lined up to hold her hand and hold her up through the battle in front of her. But, while she’s fought hard since April, Molly still has radiation, at least 8 more rounds of chemo, and very likely surgery ahead - not to mention rehab and other support needed post surgery.

No one will be surprised to learn that, in addition to the physical and emotional aspects of this, the healthcare and other extraordinary expenses associated with such a long and aggressive treatment - as well as her inability to work - will only add to the toll this takes on Molly and her family. So many of you have asked the family what you can do to help, so I asked if we could set something up to help this amazingly independent young woman start her life where she should have, once she kicks cancer’s ass completely.

While Molly only begrudgingly agreed, I put this together before she could change her mind. If you have the ability, please consider joining us in supporting this amazing young woman with a donation, otherwise, please join us in cheering her on during her journey back to health. You can follow her journey on CaringBridge. Thank you.