Kids & Family

Take a Hike, Help Warminster Girl Battle Cancer

Two fundraisers will be held Aug. 24 and 25 to help Rialee Jacoby, a 10-year-old Warminster girl who has been diagnosed with bone cancer.

The end of school and the start of summer vacation is supposed to be a joyous event as children escape the confines of the classroom and let loose on the neighborhood.

The summer jubilation stopped before it could start for 10-year-old Rialee Jacoby. The day after school ended, doctors at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia informed her parents that Rialee has Ewing Sarcoma, a pediatric bone cancer that manifested as a tumor on Rialee's left leg.

"We've been in and out of CHOP for the past few months," said Valerie Jacoby. "Rialee has to use either a crutch or a wheelchair to get around."

Valerie and her husband, Tony, first knew something was up with Rialee when she started complaining of leg pain shortly after the holidays. After taking it easy for a couple days, the pain went away.

The Jacobys did not think anything more of it until the pain came back. They made their way through countless doctor visits, working their way through the specialists until Rialee began to display more severe symptoms.

"Her left leg became really swollen," said Jacoby, a kennel tech at Preppy Pets in Warminster. "It almost looked deformed. That's when we went to CHOP and had a biopsy."

Ewing Sarcoma attacks the bone tissue with aggressive tumors that soften the bones. After she completes a round of chemotherapy, Rialee will have section of her leg bone, between her knee and her shin, replaced with metal rods. Despite the rough road ahead of her, Rialee remains her positive, upbeat self.

"She doesn't say too much about the surgeries," said Jacoby. "She looks good, she's always smiling and happy. Rialee is an inspiration for me." 

To help with the financial stress that adds an unwanted burden to an already tough time, a pair of fundraisers have been organized this weekend to help Rialee and the Jacoby family.

The two-day push begins with a beef & beer on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Willow Grove VFW Post 3612, 305 W. Moreland Ave., from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door.

The evening will include roast beef, salads, beer, chips, pretzels, soda and dessert, plus a cash bar for mixed drinks and wine. Guests can also participate in raffle baskets and a silent auction. Check out the Pray for Rialee Facebook page for contact info.

On Sunday, the fundraising moves outdoors with a Rally Hike for Rialee at Tyler Park in Newtown. Hosted by Ivyland-based Finisher Fitness, participants will take a low-key tour of Tyler Park, starting at 11 a.m. near the boathouse. Visitors can walk as long and as quickly as they would like for a small donation.

If the weekend is already booked up, donations can be made online at anytime. Follow this link to contribute to the Rialee Fund with a $25 electronic payment.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here