Family and friends are rallying around a 5-year-old Eugene girl diagnosed with cancer. A fundraiser is planned for this Saturday for Scarlet Craig.
Scarlet's mother, Elena Rudy, says they found out in July that her daughter has neuroblastoma.
Rudy: "It's a nerve cancer. So it started with a tumor on her adrenal gland. At some point. It wasn’t actually discovered until it had metastasized into her bone, which is the normal progression of the disease, usually. It's not discovered until it starts to create problems with pain, walking."
Rudy says Scarlet has been undergoing treatments for 9 months. She recently underwent radiation therapy that required she be alone in a room for 5 days.
Rudy: "Which she did fabulously. Technology is amazing. TVs, movies, all that really amazing stuff."
Rudy says they're still waiting to find out results of that treatment. She says family life has been transformed by the diagnosis.
Rudy: "It was a huge shock as I think it would be for any family. So it kind of threw us quite a bit but we have discovered a great community of people who've kind of surrounded us and given us tons of support."
Friends have planned a silent auction fundraiser to help the family with medical bills. Some people are shaving their heads in solidarity with Scarlet, who has lost her hair during cancer treatments. The event is Saturday April 11th at North Eugene High School from noon to 3.
