Students line up to ‘fight like a unicorn’
8-year-old with leukemia gets support from her classmates
It was supposed to be Rosedell Elementary School’s monthly “School Spirit Rally,” but it was more like an Addison Rally.
Despite it being cold, people were quickly warmed up when they started jumping around, singing songs and especially when they saw fellow student Addison Rivera.
Since October, Addison has been fighting B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
But she said she’s found
strength in unicorns. “They have magical powers,” she said.
And on Friday morning, Addison saw her Rosedell Elementary schoolmates show up at the rally to support her.
Everyone cheered as she came out, spoke on a microphone to
the kids gathered and beamed at the display of kinship and caring.
Rosedell nurse Laura Pearson helped get T-shirt orders for Addison’s family.
A few months ago, Addison’s mom’s college friend made a design of a “dabbing” unicorn, posing in an action of putting its arms above its head while facing down. This popular gesture was meant to convey a silly moment for these healing creatures, and the shirts were a hit.
They were so popular, Addison received a $3,000 check Friday that was raised from the sale of the shirts. Proceeds will help with expenses from her mom, Cassandra, who’s missed work to help care for Addison’s chemotherapy, said her grandmother Melanie Cross.
“Addison loves people more than anything, she has a very giving heart, she’s theatrical and loves to be on stage,” Cross said. “So it’s hard for her to be at home. Other children are children’s sunlight. That’s how they live.”