Draft:Malia Jusczyk
| Submission rejected on 4 November 2024 by CoconutOctopus (talk). This topic is not sufficiently notable for inclusion in Wikipedia. Rejected by CoconutOctopus 16 days ago. Last edited by Citation bot 15 days ago. |  |
| Submission declined on 14 October 2024 by Curb Safe Charmer (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission is not suitable for Wikipedia. Please read "What Wikipedia is not" for more information. Declined by Curb Safe Charmer 37 days ago. |  |
Comment: As tragic as the topic of this article is, I'm afraid it simply is not notable enough for inclusion on Wikipedia. CoconutOctopus talk 11:06, 4 November 2024 (UTC)
Malia Dakota Jusczyk (June 26, 2008 – June 14, 2023) was an American child recognized for her advocacy in raising awareness about childhood cancer, particularly neuroblastoma. Throughout her battle with cancer, she participated in various initiatives supporting cancer research and patient care.
Early Life and Diagnosis
[edit]Malia Jusczyk was born on June 26, 2008, to Megan and Glen Jusczyk in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The family later relocated to Plainville, Massachusetts. At the age of two, Jusczyk began experiencing severe abdominal pain, which led to her diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer affecting the nervous system. Initial misdiagnoses delayed treatment until further evaluations revealed a large tumor in her kidney that had spread to her spinal cord, bone marrow, femur, and spine.[1] [2]
Jusczyk received treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, a 10-hour tumor resection surgery to remove her adrenal gland and kidney, and a stem cell transplant. The family moved from Florida to Boston to access specialized medical care. In April 2021, nine years after being declared cancer-free, Jusczyk experienced a relapse of neuroblastoma.[2][3][4]
Cancer Advocacy
[edit]Malia Jusczyk was involved in cancer advocacy through the For Kids' Sake Foundation, founded by her family in 2011.[5] This nonprofit raises awareness for neuroblastoma, funds pediatric cancer research, and supports affected families. The foundation organizes an annual fundraising event, the Super Hero Race to Crush Cancer, which helps fund clinical trials and assists families facing limited treatment options for their children. Malia’s story has played a key role in raising awareness for pediatric cancer through the foundation's ongoing efforts. [6]
The Greatest Baker Contest
[edit]During her cancer treatment, Jusczyk took up baking, eventually gaining recognition within baking communities for her Signature Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. In the spring of 2021, she won the online competition The Greatest Baker, which awarded her a $20,000 prize. She used this prize to establish her baking business, Malia's Sweet Treats, and to support pediatric cancer research. Jusczyk was also featured in Bake from Scratch magazine. The contest, sponsored by various brands and professional bakers, supports charitable initiatives, including No Kid Hungry.[4][7] [8]
Journey and Activism
[edit]Malia Jusczyk was involved in her local community in Plainville, Massachusetts. Her family established the For Kids' Sake Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. The foundation raises funds for pediatric cancer research and offers financial assistance to families in similar situations. The Plainville community supported these efforts through initiatives such as the annual 5K and 10K Crush Cancer runs, which aimed to raise awareness and provide support for young cancer patients. [1]
Soccer Team
[edit]In 2021, Malia Jusczyk was named Honorary Captain by the New England Revolution soccer team during the Kick Childhood Cancer game. She participated in a ceremonial lap around the field, accompanied by player Matt Turner.[9] [10][11]
Community Soccer Match in Honor of Malia Jusczyk
[edit]On May 13, 2022, the community of Medway, Massachusetts, organized a special soccer match at Lamson Field in honor of Malia Jusczyk.[12] The event allowed her to engage in one of her favorite activities, soccer, while recognizing her resilience throughout her illness.
Death
[edit]Malia Jusczyk passed away on June 14, 2023, after a prolonged battle with neuroblastoma. Her connection with the New England Revolution soccer team remained significant until her passing, with former goalkeeper Matt Turner publicly paying tribute to her. Malia's legacy endures through the continued efforts of her family and the For Kids' Sake Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and provides assistance to families impacted by the disease.[3] [13]
Legacy
[edit]The For Kids' Sake Foundation was established in memory of Malia Jusczyk by her parents. The foundation is dedicated to pediatric cancer research and supporting families affected by cancer. It organizes annual events, such as the 5K and 10K SuperHero Race to Crush Cancer, to raise funds and increase community awareness of childhood cancer.
Tributes and Remembrance
[edit]In memory of Malia Jusczyk, King Philip Regional Middle School established a Day of Kindness to promote kindness among students and staff through various activities. The school also installed a mural and a permanent concrete ping pong table to honor her legacy.[14]
A candlelight vigil was held at Telford Town Park in Plainville, organized by local Catholic parishes to commemorate Malia Jusczyk's impact on the community. The event underscored the community's ongoing support for pediatric cancer awareness and research. [1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Candlelight vigil held for Malia Jusczyk".
- ^ a b "A Brave Little Girl Hopes For Remission: Malia Jusczyk".
- ^ a b "Malia Jusczyk".
- ^ a b "The Greatest Baker".
- ^ "Plainville shows its support for 12-year-old Malia". www.wickedlocal.com.
- ^ "Duke and Syracuse Men's Soccer Honor Malia Jusczyk". www.goduke.com.
- ^ "Plainville Girl Battling Cancer In Final Four For Online Baking Competition".
- ^ "MALIA JUSCZYK, IS WINNER OF WORLD-WIDE THE GREATEST BAKER CONTEST".
- ^ "Revs vs. Charlotte FC".
- ^ "New England Revolution Host Fight Childhood Cancer Night at Gillette Stadium".
- ^ "PK hero Turner's biggest play comes postgame with pediatric cancer patient Malia".
- ^ "Soccer match held in honor of Mass. girl battling cancer". www.boston25news.com.
- ^ "Plainville teen dies after two-year battle with cancer".
- ^ "Middle School Honors Memory of Student Malia Jusczyk".