Performing the national anthem before today’s Falcons-Dolphins game will be Mary Tankersley, a 15-year-old cancer survivor.
In partnership with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Tankersley and eighth-grader Matthew McMahon will be a part of the Falcons’ pregame festivities. Tankersley will sing the national anthem and McMahon will run out of the tunnel with the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tankersley’s was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her right distal femur in 2012. She went through 10 weeks of chemotherapy followed by rotationplasty surgery to remove the tumor, followed by 18 more weeks of chemotheraphy.
Rotationplasty is a surgery where the tumor section of the femur, knee and top of the tibia is removed and the lower portion of the leg is rotated 180 degrees and reattached to the femur.
She finished treatment in 2013 and has now settled into a normal 10th graders’ routine -- learning to drive and participating in church and theater activities.
McMahon was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his right distal femur in 2014. He went through 10 weeks of chemo. He also had rotationplasty surgery to remove the tumor. He completed his treatment a little over a year after the initial diagnosis.
He returned to his active lifestyle of playing soccer and basketball and swimming. McMahon just completed a triathlon.
The Rally Foundation empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects, and ultimately, cures.
To donate to their cause, you can visit their website, RallyFoundation.org.
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