August 16, 2023 by Laura Winters (photos by Joshua Ross)
On the evening of Friday, August 4, Paragon Boardwalk hosted nearly 400 attendees to rally around 7-year-old Hingham resident Adelia who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. Funds raised at this and other community events will support indispensable research and clinical trials for pediatric brain cancer patients, with nearly $80,000 raised to date.
Live music was provided by Desiree Glazier-Nazro, Adam Nazro, and Matt Ambrose of Steel Rhythm. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy face painting and balloon animals, arts and crafts, raffles, and a silent auction. Additionally, Paragon Boardwalk generously gifted a free $10 arcade card for each attending child.
The “Adelia Strong” team slated to participate in the Falmouth Road Race was also honored. This team includes Hingham residents Allison Daury, Molly Smith, Casey O’Boyle, Laura Wells, Kerry Mincieli, Jessi Shuraleff, Katie Beston, Allie LaFratta, Michael Joseph, Mary Farrington, Carolyn Schneider, and Hilary Kelly.
According to Adelia’s mom, Meryl Summers, “Only 4% of all federal funding for cancer research is allocated for pediatric cancer research. And of that 4%, only 1% is allocated for pediatric brain cancer – amounting to a mere 0.04% of all federal funding for cancer research.” Summers continued, “for a condition that is the most common type of brain tumor in children under the age of 5, these numbers are startling.”
Thanks to the community support at the Paragon and other fundraising efforts, Adelia and other children will have the opportunity to participate in a promising clinical trial for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) and DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma, Adelia’s diagnosis) to be held in the Fall.
For those who were unable to attend the Paragon event, it’s not too late to participate in an online auction where supporters can bid on tickets to Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks, an exclusive Talbot’s shopping experience, a signed Tom Brady photo, and a Paige Railsback painting. Place your bid here. (https://adelia-strong.betterworld.org/auctions/paragon23Bonus) The auction ends Sunday, August 20 at 10PM.
The success of these efforts is a vibrant testament to the Hingham community’s solidarity and fervent support for the courageous young girl and her family. To stay up to date with the latest news, upcoming fundraising efforts, and purchase #AdeliaStrong merchandise, all to benefit these important clinical trials, visit the newly launched website. (https://adeliastrong.splashthat.com)