Friends, family, classmates and even strangers flocked to Facebook to support Georgia teenager Jewell Sweat, who was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer Sunday.
Sweat, 16, attends Model High School in Rome, Georgia, and cheers competitively at Hot Shots Cheerleading Gym, according to Northwest Georgia News.
Last Sunday, she went to a local emergency room because of sudden stomach pains. She was transferred to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she has been undergoing tests and surgeries to try to find the cause of the pain. Sweat was diagnosed with Stage 3-4 carcinoma of the stomach.
"An extremely rare cancer for someone of Jewell's age and level of fitness, her doctors are still consulting with experts around the country to determine the best option for long term treatment, which could be as local as Atlanta or as distant as Texas. This is a very difficult, challenging, and frightening time for Jewell and her family, and we are all lifting them up with passionate prayers, heartfelt thoughts, and sending good vibes their way," read the Facebook fundraiser description.
Her community quickly rallied behind her after hearing the news, using the hashtag #4Jewell on social media.
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Rachel Magness, the owner of Hot Shots gym, wanted to do more to help, so she partnered with the nonprofit Mission IS Possible that she co-runs with her husband.
The Mission IS Possible Foundation hosts a “Shining Star” cheer squad made up of children with special needs and a free open gym session every month for the community.
The organization launched options for making a tax-deductible donation to the family either through Facebook, check or on its website.
"At only 16, Jewell needs her mom by her side as she begins to fight this fight, and there is no way June can be there for Jewell while at the same time trying to hold down her regular work schedule," Magness posted in the foundation's Facebook fundraiser.
The initial goal was to raise $15,000 to help offset living expenses for the family while Jewell underwent treatment. In less than 24 hours, the fundraiser doubled the goal, and donations keep coming in.
As of Tuesday, Mission IS Possible Foundation had raised more than $41,000 from 600 donors.
Additionally, Model High School’s baseball team has shown its support by painting #4Jewell on its field.
“I am in awe of all the generosity shown for Jewell,” someone wrote on a Facebook post.
Jewell remains in Chattanooga on a feeding tube while doctors come up with a long-term treatment plan, Magness said. Thanks to generous donations, the family is financially prepared to travel to wherever the best hospital may be.
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