A Westport girl named Phoebe was 11 years old — just finishing 6th grade — when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The malignant bone tumor is usually seen in teenagers.
At Sloan Kettering she was treated wonderfully. But it was tough: grueling chemotherapy, plus numerous surgeries on her leg.
In September of 2011, she underwent a groundbreaking surgery. She was the 1st patient in New York to try a new device that uses magnetic force. After 2 years on crutches, she could walk again.
Phoebe’s positive spirit was unwavering. She and her family went on a vacation that included scuba diving.
Phoebe (right) and her friends.
She worked hard in 8th grade to prepare for Staples. Always an avid athlete, she found a new sport — archery — in which to compete.
Phoebe also became involved in volunteer organizations. Knowing how much support and love she had received, she wanted to give back.
On March 1, 2013, during her 2-year anniversary checkup for being cancer-free from osteosarcoma, Phoebe was diagnosed with secondary acute myeloid leukemia.
She endured more terrible chemo, and 8 days in intensive care.
On May 23, 2013, Phoebe received a bone marrow transplant. Her sister Hallie — a perfect match — was the donor.
Phoebe’s intelligence, kindness and inner strength kept herself, her family and friends going. Now post-transplant, she is getting back to “normal” life.
She appreciates every second of it. And that is why she was inspired to start “Phoebe’s Phriends”: to help find a cure for pediatric cancers.
The Colorflash 5K run promises to be a colorful event, for sure.
At 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, the Phriends group — now a 501(c)3 — sponsors a “Colorflash 5K” run. It’s a great distance to run (or walk) — and fun. Participants will be splashed with color dust at 4 stations. Post-race festivities include food trucks.
All proceeds will be donated to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Pediatric Cancer Research.
“06880” gets 10 to 15 requests a day to publicize worthwhile events. Westport is filled with them, and it’s tough to say no. But “06880” is a blog, not a community calendar.
Every so often, though, a fundraiser comes through that is so special — with such a compelling back story — that I gladly say “sure!”
No matter what else you are doing on Sunday, September 21, Phoebe and her Phriends deserve our support.
(Registration is $25 pre-race; $35 the day of the race. Of course, larger donations are accepted too. For details, click here.)
So glad u printed this. Phoebe and family are our friends and are amazing. Giving back and helping others is so Phoebe!!!!!!!!
We are so so so glad she is living her life.
Wouldn’t miss this for anything!
I will be there! Phoebe, Hallie, and their family and friends have shown strength, grace, and compassion to others – such a great cause!
Hey Dan, awfully kind of you to do this write up. Phoebe is as awesome and inspiring as they come, and the Colorflash5k fun run is a real testament to that. Hope to see you down at Sherwood Island on the 21st!