Draft:Malia Jusczyk

• Comment: As tragic as the topic of this article is, I'm afraid it simply is not notable enough for inclusion on Wikipedia. CoconutOctopus talk 11:06, 4 November 2024 (UTC)

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Malia Dakota Jusczyk (June 26, 2008 – June 14, 2023) was an American child recognized for her advocacy in raising awareness about childhood cancer, particularly neuroblastoma. Throughout her battle with cancer, she participated in various initiatives supporting cancer research and patient care.

Early Life and Diagnosis

Malia Jusczyk was born on June 26, 2008, to Megan and Glen Jusczyk in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The family later relocated to Plainville, Massachusetts. At the age of two, Jusczyk began experiencing severe abdominal pain, which led to her diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer affecting the nervous system. Initial misdiagnoses delayed treatment until further evaluations revealed a large tumor in her kidney that had spread to her spinal cord, bone marrow, femur, and spine.

Jusczyk received treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, a 10-hour tumor resection surgery to remove her adrenal gland and kidney, and a stem cell transplant. The family moved from Florida to Boston to access specialized medical care. In April 2021, nine years after being declared cancer-free, Jusczyk experienced a relapse of neuroblastoma.

Cancer Advocacy

Malia Jusczyk was involved in cancer advocacy through the For Kids' Sake Foundation, founded by her family in 2011. This nonprofit raises awareness for neuroblastoma, funds pediatric cancer research, and supports affected families. The foundation organizes an annual fundraising event, the Super Hero Race to Crush Cancer, which helps fund clinical trials and assists families facing limited treatment options for their children. Malia’s story has played a key role in raising awareness for pediatric cancer through the foundation's ongoing efforts.

The Greatest Baker Contest

During her cancer treatment, Jusczyk took up baking, eventually gaining recognition within baking communities for her Signature Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. In the spring of 2021, she won the online competition The Greatest Baker, which awarded her a $20,000 prize. She used this prize to establish her baking business, Malia's Sweet Treats, and to support pediatric cancer research. Jusczyk was also featured in Bake from Scratch magazine. The contest, sponsored by various brands and professional bakers, supports charitable initiatives, including No Kid Hungry.

Journey and Activism

Malia Jusczyk was involved in her local community in Plainville, Massachusetts. Her family established the For Kids' Sake Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. The foundation raises funds for pediatric cancer research and offers financial assistance to families in similar situations. The Plainville community supported these efforts through initiatives such as the annual 5K and 10K Crush Cancer runs, which aimed to raise awareness and provide support for young cancer patients.

Soccer Team

In 2021, Malia Jusczyk was named Honorary Captain by the New England Revolution soccer team during the Kick Childhood Cancer game. She participated in a ceremonial lap around the field, accompanied by player Matt Turner.

Community Soccer Match in Honor of Malia Jusczyk

On May 13, 2022, the community of Medway, Massachusetts, organized a special soccer match at Lamson Field in honor of Malia Jusczyk. The event allowed her to engage in one of her favorite activities, soccer, while recognizing her resilience throughout her illness.

Death

Malia Jusczyk passed away on June 14, 2023, after a prolonged battle with neuroblastoma. Her connection with the New England Revolution soccer team remained significant until her passing, with former goalkeeper Matt Turner publicly paying tribute to her. Malia's legacy endures through the continued efforts of her family and the For Kids' Sake Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and provides assistance to families impacted by the disease.

Legacy

The For Kids' Sake Foundation was established in memory of Malia Jusczyk by her parents. The foundation is dedicated to pediatric cancer research and supporting families affected by cancer. It organizes annual events, such as the 5K and 10K SuperHero Race to Crush Cancer, to raise funds and increase community awareness of childhood cancer.

Tributes and Remembrance

In memory of Malia Jusczyk, King Philip Regional Middle School established a Day of Kindness to promote kindness among students and staff through various activities. The school also installed a mural and a permanent concrete ping pong table to honor her legacy.

A candlelight vigil was held at Telford Town Park in Plainville, organized by local Catholic parishes to commemorate Malia Jusczyk's impact on the community. The event underscored the community's ongoing support for pediatric cancer awareness and research.