Purple Hearts, Hugs, and Prayers

The Assumption Lady Royals basketball team and the Spencer Rockets teamed up to play a Cancer Awareness game this evening. And this time it was personal.

I told you a few month ago about Natalie, a 2020 Assumption grad who battled a rare form of cancer this spring – so rare she may currently be the only person in the U.S. with it – and appeared to have conquered it. Unfortunately, after being cancer-free for 6 months, the epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) returned. How heartbreaking! We love this spirited girl!

Both teams sold t-shirts and raised about $800 for Natalie, who starts treatment – again – tomorrow. 

The fundraiser was organized by Royals Coach Klein (showing the front of the t-shirts) and...

Coach Jaglinski (showing the back), who included Nat in the huddles for the JV girls game tonight.

They presented Natalie with a check before the start of the varsity game. You can see that players from both teams were wearing the shirts. That's awesome! In fact, if you want to donate to this fundraiser, Channel 7 news was there and said they'd have a link on their website wsaw.com to do so at some point.

Big hugs from her former coach!

And more importantly...

Big hugs from Mom!

I can't fathom what you two and the rest of your family are going through – physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Just know that your extended Royal family has got your backs. 

Bless you, Nat! We're all praying for you! 💜💜💜