March 14, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
Adelia — a first-grader at South School — loves art, playing soccer, dancing, taking Suzuki lessons, being a Girl Scout, and everything about life.
She is also known for her endless energy, bright smile, and way of entertaining those around her with her creative spirit and amusing one-liners.
After being diagnosed recently with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer and undergoing emergency surgery at Children’s Hospital, the Hingham community is rallying around Adelia, her mother, Meryl Summers, her stepfather, Mike McClellan, and her baby sister, Esme, in a show of emotional and practical support and as a way to give back to this young girl who brings so much joy to their lives.
Adelia will undergo radiation treatment — starting this Tuesday (March 14) — for six weeks before traveling outside her beloved hometown with her family to participate in clinical trials and therapies that are not covered by insurance.
The donations made to the GoFundMe page started by her aunt and uncle, Peggy and Joshua Butkus, and her cousin, Finley, will help with the expenses associated with the clinical trials, therapies that range from $15,000 to $20,000 per dose, travel expenses, lost work time, and other costs associated with her treatment.
“We’re reaching for the stars,” her mother said. “We are very appreciative of all the donations and support.”
Adelia — who has been back at school and playing with her friends — is keeping up her strong and beautiful spirit while she and her family maintain hope that her forthcoming treatments will be effective.
Adelia is a fighter and incredibly resilient, and we need to give her all the love and support we can right now,” Summers said.
South School Principal Mary Eastwood called Adelia “such an inspiration to everyone. She is a sweet little girl. We love our Adelia. All she wants to do is come to school, and we’ve been fortunate to have here here as much as possible. We’ll do everything we can so that she can come to school and enjoy her many friends and everything she is learning in first grade.”
Donations will help her family navigate this challenging time so they can focus on surrounding Adelia with love and care.
A Facebook message posted by her family asks for “healing, energy, prayers, and support” for Adelia.
To make a donation, please click here.
