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Malia Jusczyk

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Malia Jusczyk
Born(2008-06-26)June 26, 2008
Ludlow, Massachusetts, US
DiedJune 14, 2023(2023-06-14) (aged 14)
Cause of deathNeuroblastoma complications
Known forChildhood cancer awareness advocacy, Honorary Captain, New England Revolution

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

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Malia Jusczyk was born on June 26, 2008, to Megan and Glen Jusczyk in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The family later relocated to Plainville. 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.[1][2]

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.[1][3][4]

Cancer advocacy and activism

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Malia Jusczyk was involved in cancer advocacy through the For Kids' Sake Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by her family in 2011. The foundation raises awareness for neuroblastoma, funds pediatric cancer research, and provides financial assistance to families affected by cancer. It also organizes community-based initiatives, such as the annual Super Hero Race to Crush Cancer and the Crush Cancer 5K and 10K runs in Plainville, Massachusetts, to raise funds for clinical trials and support families facing limited treatment options. Malia's story helped raise awareness for pediatric cancer, and the foundation's efforts were supported by the local community.[5][1]

The Greater Baker contest

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During her cancer treatment, Jusczyk developed an interest in baking and became known for her Signature Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. In the spring of 2021, she won the online competition The Greatest Baker, and was awarded a $20,000 prize. She used the prize to establish her baking business, Malia's Sweet Treats, and 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 such as No Kid Hungry.[6][4][7]

Soccer involvement

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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.[8][9]

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.[citation needed]

Death and legacy

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Malia enjoying her time at the beach.

Malia Jusczyk died on June 14, 2023, after a prolonged battle with neuroblastoma. Her connection with the New England Revolution soccer team remained significant, with former goalkeeper Matt Turner publicly paying tribute to her. Her legacy continues through the efforts of her family and the For Kids' Sake Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and provides assistance to families affected by the disease.[3][10]

Tributes and remembrance

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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.[11]

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 showed the community's ongoingsupport for pediatric cancer awareness and research.[1][12]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Candlelight vigil held for Malia Jusczyk".
  2. ^ "A brave little girl hopes for remission". 25 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Caring Bridge dot org Home Page Malia Jusczyk".
  4. ^ a b "The Greatest Baker".
  5. ^ "Duke and Syracuse Men's Soccer Honor Malia Jusczyk". 2 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Plainville Girl Battling Cancer In Final Four For Online Baking Competition".
  7. ^ "Pediatric Cancer Patient, Malia Jusczyk" (Press release). 28 February 2022.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "PK hero Turner's biggest play comes postgame with pediatric cancer patient Malia".
  9. ^ "New England Revolution Host Fight Childhood Cancer Night at Gillette Stadium". 28 September 2023.
  10. ^ "'An inspiration': Plainville teen dies after two-year battle with cancer". 19 June 2023.
  11. ^ "King Philip Regional Middle School Honors Memory of Student Malia Jusczyk". 2 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Candlelight Vigil Service in honor of Malia Jusczyk". pwc.church/.