Molloy Women's Hoops Adopts 8-Year-Old From 'Friends of Jaclyn'

The  women's basketball team took a huge step in its history as it adopted Jackie, an eight-year-old diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of three, through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The foundation — a non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families — matches a child in need of love, support and friendship with a college or high school sports team.

Scarlett Demchak, a senior guard for the Lady Lions, said that Jackie's story served as an inspiration to the team, and she was proud to partner with the non-profit group.

"Jackie's determination and will to fight are a huge inspiration, amongst living her life to the fullest every day," Demchak said. "I could not be happier that Friends of Jaclyn gave us this strong little girl, and I am looking forward to spending more time with her."

Sophomore guard Christina Marra echoed Demchak's sentiments. "Inspiration is stronger than motivation," she said. "With Jackie, we are capable of playing with both. Seeing how much we can affect the life of a little girl really makes you think of what is really important in life."

On Christmas Eve 2006, Jackie — the youngest of three girls being raised by a single mother — was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, and told she had a 50 percent chance of living. After hearing the diagnosis, Jackie and her mother moved to Philadelphia to get her the best medical attention possible. Jackie endured months of chemotherapy, spinal taps and bone marrow aspirates.

Five months after returning home with her disease in remission, Jackie relapsed. Her relapse included three brain tumors, cancer in her central nervous system, as well as her peripheral blood and bone marrow. As a result, Jackie's chances of survival decreased. She remained in the hospital for four months, enduring more chemotherapy, spinal taps, aspirates for the bone marrow, total body irradiation and an unrelated stem cell transplant.

Jackie beat the odds again and achieved total remission. She currently remains at home, but still suffers from post-transplant complications, including graft versus host disease, attention deficit disorder as well as other learning disabilities. 

Sophomore guard Courtney Dolnick said simply meeting Jackie has changed her life.

"For someone who has been through so much pain and adversity in her life, Jackie is the most happy as well as heartwarming little girl I have ever come across," Dolnick said. "Her smile lights up a room, and she makes you appreciate what is really important. I just met her and she has already made a huge impact on my life."

For more information on Jackie, and the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, please visit www.friendsofjaclyn.org.