Lockport family putting on its own benefit to aid their cancer survivor
Apr. 24—Eleven-year-old Abbie McNett was diagnosed with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, an incurable cancer, two years ago. After treatment that included both chemotherapy and radiation, these days her prognosis is much improved.
A tumor in her left leg has been eradicated, as has the tumor in the cavity between her kidneys and lungs. She is in remission and her parents, Louis and Stacie, say they hope it stays that way because there are not many survivors of her type of cancer in the event of relapse.
When Abbie's friends and family learned of her diagnosis in January 2022, there was an immediate outpouring of support from the community, and the McNett family rode a wave of generosity that included the chance to meet up with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on multiple occasions.
Abbie and Josh are now buddies, Stacie said, and Abbie's parents appreciate the Bills organization's efforts to bring "awareness" to the issues of pediatric cancer.
According to Stacie, research dollars are devoted overwhelmingly to adult cancers; only about 6% of research funding is devoted to pediatric cancers.
"Kids do not get the funding adults do," she said.
Today Abbie is on the mend — a happy, quiet child who loves superheroes, painting and video games, and will be returning to school in the summer, at Niagara Academy — but she's not out of the woods, yet.
Her cancer is under control — she receives a scan every three months to verify that — but where the tumor in her left leg was removed, the muscle was damaged. Surgery was necessary, and even after her cast comes off, Abbie will face permanently limited mobility because of the muscle damage.
"She's going to be able to walk. She might be able to run a little bit," Stacie said, but athletics, dance and other such activities are not on the horizon for Abbie, ever.
Abbie underwent surgery earlier this month and Stacie took an unpaid leave of absence from her job to care for her until her leg heals.
Because their finances were already strained, the McNetts decided to contact a professional benefit organizer, Arty Party 716, to conduct a meat raffle as a fundraiser.
The raffle is slated May 11 at the American Legion hall in North Tonawanda (950 Payne Avenue). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first spin is at 7. At least 36 spins are planned. Beer, pop and water are included with admission. Attendees may bring their own food and snacks.
Donations and raffle volunteers are welcomed. For more information, send an email to staciemcnett@gmail.com.
