A fundraiser to finance life-saving treatment for a young Monrovia girl blinded by a rare form of brain cancer will be held Aug. 16, 6 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Monrovia.
The family of three-and-a-half-year-old Rose Hengehold is seeking experimental treatment for their daughter that is offered at a hospital in Houston. Rose’s parents, Joe and Alicia, are trying to raise $160,000 for the treatment that involves medication which needs approval from the FDA.
“Rose has been diagnosed as having a Bi-lateral Optic Glioma brain tumor,” explained Alicia. “The tumor is crushing her optic nerve, making her blind. Eventually, after a painful process, it will kill her.”
A precocious toddler with ringlets of red hair, Rose will ask your name to identify your voice as she adjusts to her blindness, and has persevered with smiles and giggles. “She has been through a lot but her spirit is strong,” said Alicia.
To kick-start the “Help Save Rose Campaign,” Immaculate Conception Church will host a family event that will include food, live music and a magic show ($10 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under). Proceeds for the fundraiser will be used for the lifesaving treatment.
The Knights of Columbus Council 1242 of Monrovia, of which Joe Hengehold is a member and insurance agent, is supporting the event. “The Knights want to succeed in getting Rose the treatment that she desperately needs to save her life,” said Knights of Columbus president Duane Hamilton. “$160,000 will get her that treatment.”
Immaculate Conception Church is located at 740 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia. For more information, visit www.helpsaverose.com, www.gofundme.com/921rdg, or contact Mark Harvis, (626) 353-8720 or [email protected].
