Cameron McCarthy, 7, of Aston was recently diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
By Loretta Rodgers.
Wearing blue wristbands bearing the name of seven-year-old Cameron McCarthy, Aston commissioners, during a recent meeting, publicly encouraged the community to actively join in the effort to assist the young girl who has been diagnosed with cancer.
“We are together with Cameron and her family as she battles this disease,” said 4th Ward Aston Commissioner Jon Firlein. “Our hope is that Cameron gets well so she can again participate in all the things she enjoys.”
Cameron, who will be entering second grade at Pennell Elementary School, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, and is currently being treated at the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children.
John McCarthy of the Philadelphia Union Soccer Team, visited Cameron McCarthy in the hospital and shaved his hair off in support of the seven-year-old, who is fighting Ewing Sarcoma.
Due to the chemotherapy treatments, little Cameron has lost her beautiful blonde hair. In solidarity with Cameron, her dad, brother, several of her friends, classmates, her teacher Derek Sciecinski; and Philadelphia Union soccer player John McCarthy (no relation), who visited her at the hospital, have shaved their heads.
“As anyone that knows Cameron will attest, she is a tough little girl, and is going to kick cancer’s butt,” said Sciecinski.
Members of the Aston Township Police Department show their support for Cameron.
In addition, police and fire departments have also joined #TeamCameron by hosting fundraising events and offering support to the family.
Bracelets are being sold and car decals are available bearing the logo’s “#TeamCameron and Fight Like a Girl.” Many students have also made cards, puzzles, and posters for Cameron to support and encourage her during her treatment.
Students and teachers at Aston Elementary School also joined Cameron’s team, showing their support by sending pictures and cards. Members of the Aston Board of Commissioners and many local law enforcement officers can be seen wearing the light blue #TeamCameron bracelets, as well as Cameron’s softball team, and other Aston community youth teams.
Local children operated a lemonade stand for Cameron.
“I am extremely proud of the Pennell Community and how they have rallied around Cameron and her family during this difficult time,” said Pennell Principal Eileen Martin. “This was embraced by her brother, Matthew, who has done so much to make the students at Pennell aware of his sister’s fight against cancer. Cameron is a fighter and an incredible person. We all wish her the best during this journey.”
The Aston Township Fire Department organized a head shaving fundraiser at the firehouse and individuals as well as groups have joined forces to show Cameron love and support.
If you would like to learn more about Cameron’s journey, please visit https://www.facebook.com/teamcameron111. There are more events scheduled in the coming weeks.