“Always Think Today Only”: 18-Year-Old Akron Cheerleader Battles Rare Cancer, With $75000 Community Backing in Ohio

A recent diagnosis has left 18-year-old Alex Palmer along with her friends and family in utter shock. Hailing from Cuyahoga Falls, the teenager is an active part of the Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School cheerleading team. After having been diagnosed with cancer, her life almost turned upside down. However, much to the relief of Alex, her friends and community have jumped in to offer their support.

A variety of support and donation programs have been initiated by the community to support Alex and her family in their battle. So what are the different initiatives that have been undertaken? How much damage has Alex suffered due to the cancer? Let’s all dive deeper into the story and learn everything in detail. 

Campaigns, Wristbands, Tees and more: How the Cheerleading community is supporting Alex Palmer in her battle against cancer

As soon as the news broke out, schoolmates started to ideate ways to support their friend. Likewise, the players on either team (SVSM v Walsh Jesuit) of the varsity basketball game on Tuesday donned pink jerseys to honor Alex. Pink is her favorite color and surely, the teen’s joy must have been doubled after her school won the basketball game. Continuing the practice, Friday was declared as a “pink day” at the school. 

They set up a fund for Alex and invited everyone to chime in with whatever amount they could, the lowest being $2. Authorities at the school have also ordered over 500 wristbands and 300 pink t-shirts that had #AlexStrong imprinted on them. 

Providing further relief to Alex’s family, a GoFundMe campaign had been launched which aimed to raise $75,000 to cater to the emergency and medical needs. With the outpouring of support that the teen is receiving, the accumulated amount already stands at $60,000 as of Friday. Overwhelmed by the response, Regina Palmer, Alex’s mother, exuded confidence, “We’re not going to worry about things that might or might not happen. We always think today only.”

Recollecting the horrific memory of the diagnosis, it has been reported that pain in Alex’s left foot was diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma in January. This was informed to be a rare form of cancer that could require up to eight months of chemotherapy. The worst part was the cancer had made its way to a couple of spots in the lungs. 

Watch This Story: Cheerleader Gymnast Walked Down Memory Lane to Note the Tragic Incident, Compelling Her to Give Up Her Dreams

However, even after such a deadly diagnosis, her friends and Alex herself are confident of making it through. 

Confident Alex hopes for a quick recovery 

Grateful for all the support she is receiving, Alex stated, “The support is almost like motivation, like everybody just keeps pushing me… I want everyone to know that I’m confident that I will beat this.” She further went on to thank everyone for all the support in such rough times while stating that it meant the world to her. 

Alex has also received tremendous support from her friends. Georgia Deitrick, Alex’s best friend, said, “If anyone can beat it, it’s her, and she’s so positive about it despite how negative it really is.”

Ava Heiser, who has a closely knit bond with Alex, stated that considering the optimism in Alex, it was only a matter of time before she recovered fully. 

It’s great to see the community come together for Alex Palmer. Let’s take a moment to pray for Alex’s battle against cancer and hope she comes back stronger.

Read More: South Side Cheer Team Empowers Young Athletes Igniting Confidence and Sisterhood