Dubbed Cross City for Kaylee, the senior boys basketball teams of the Pen High Lakers and Princess Margaret Mustangs collided.
Blue was the colour theme as spectators wearing the blue t-shirts in support of Kaylee Kozari-Bowland, who has been receiving treatments for cancer, packed the Pen High gymnasium Tuesday. Writing on the front of the shirt said “She who is brave is free” while the back had “Kaylee #kickcancer”.
While the Mustangs won 46-41 in a hard-fought defensive battle, Kaylee was the biggest winner as more than $2,700 was raised to support her family.
“I think that’s absolutely amazing. I think the community has been amazing,” said Kaylee’s mother Tammy Kozari. “I think for those kids to get together, and plan such an event, it’s awesome.”
Problems for the 16-year-old began last July when Kaylee had issues walking. Following three weeks and five trips to the hospital, she was sent to BC Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with an undifferentiated metastatic sarcoma. By that time she was completely paralyzed from the chest down. She had surgery to remove the cancerous tumour from her spine and received intensive chemotherapy, chest and spine radiation and physiotherapy and was wheelchair-bound until October. She has been re-learning how to walk but still needs crutches.
On Feb. 2, an MRI discovered two new tumours in her spine at the base of her skull and one in her brain. That prompted immediate radiation treatments. Things were going well until last week when Kaylee had two full body seizures was rushed to hospital by ambulance. Tests revealed that a brain bleed into the tumor caused the seizures.
The fundraiser was created by Kaylee’s friend and Princess Margaret Grade 11 student Lexi Grady. Seeing the huge turnout for her friend was overwhelming for Grady.
“Honestly, I’m close to tears seeing it. The school rivalry, it’s there, but it’s not as intense. Everyone is here for Kaylee, which is awesome to see. It’s so good to see our town come together for it.”
While Kaylee wasn’t at the game physically, she got to experience it as technology brought her courtside. Kozari said her daughter was curious to know who was at the game and even had the chance to talk to some of her Pen High teachers.
“She was on the phone with lots of them, it was good,” said Kozari. “It was good that she got to do that. Be a part of it from here.”
Doctors are closely monitoring Kaylee and keeping her in Vancouver as it is not yet safe for her to travel, but she can return home soon. Options to help Kaylee in Canada have been exhausted and now the family is doing fundraising to pay for treatments in the U.S. However, those treatments are not covered by Canadian health care and as such the family needs the community’s help. Getting that little taste of home on Monday night as friends rallied together at a basketball game brought a smile to Kaylee’s face.
“When she was on the phone it was just like, you could just see the happiness in her,” Kozari continued, who received photos from people throughout the night. “That’s kind of what her friends do for her. Her friends are definitely an important part of her treatment plan, the therapy part of it.”
Kozari joked that the first thing Kaylee wants to do when she comes back home is see her friends.
“Who wants to hang out with mom as a teenager for the last eight months,” Kozari laughed.
Grady added that Kaylee was really proud of the fundraiser.
“The support is always good to see,” said Grady. “Thanks for everyone for coming.”
Lakers senior boys coach Colin Cook said it was good to see a big crowd, while Colton Van Camp of the Mustangs said his team was nervous playing in front of so many people.
“It’s probably the biggest crowd I have ever been in front of,” said Van Camp. “I just want to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting Kaylee.”
A fundraising site has been established to help Kaylee’s family, www.youcaring.com/other/kaylee-s-journey-to-conquer-cancer/270205/update/278229 or donations can be made at the Penticton Prospera Credit Union (Kaylee Kozari-Bowlands account). Follow Kaylee’s Journey and send her a message.
Another fundraiser for Kaylee is scheduled for March 7 at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun Valley kettle corn will be sold and there will be a raffle by donation for NHL memorabilia. The event is being put on by the Tim Hortons novice Vees Green Stars.
