Community reaches out to Carson High freshman with bone cancer

McKenna Mitchell isn't spending her first year in high school the way she thought she would. Instead, the pretty 14-year-old is traveling back and forth to the hospital and undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

In July, McKenna was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Since then, she has had seven chemotherapy treatments, and is working on keeping her spirits high.

"Everyone has really helped a lot," McKenna said Friday, "and I stay positive just knowing that I'm going to get through all of it."

She admits the treatments are tough, but said she's hanging in there.

"They're getting better as my body gets more used to it, and the support from fundraisers helps, too. But my best friend Tristin Parrish has helped me a lot. She always comes to see me in the hospital," McKenna said.

Friends say that McKenna is a normal, fun-loving teen who has been involved in various sports and 4H activities over the years and has many friends. Those friends have been active in helping raise funds to help with her medical treatments, care and travel to Oakland every other week, said Bonnie Pixley from Karson Kruzers which hosted a car show and sock hop in September to help McKenna.

In addition, Pixley said, donation jars are available at AC Delco, NAPA, Harley- Davidson, Benson's Feed, S&W Feeds and T&H Auto Parts.

Tristin's mother Melaine Mason also has been instrumental in helping the family.

"She is such a trooper, always a joy and a strong spirit," Mason said. "We were headed to the UNR Ski Swap, and she said she can't wait to snowboard this winter."

Meanwhile, the community continues to help the Mitchells with expenses.

"We will also be selling cookbooks to raise money to offset the cost of treatment," Mason said. "They will be around $10, so they are great gift ideas."

To find out how to order a cookbook while helping McKenna, call 684-3882.

And proceeds from the Santa photo booth at Carson High School's craft fair Friday and Saturday also will go toward McKenna's expenses, said show coordinator Cathy Barbie.

"She's just this teeny tiny bubbling girl with a great personality," she said.

The Mitchell family is also trying to raise money for their daughter's treatment by selling Bondiband headbands and lime green Team McKenna bracelets. Both are available by calling Tim Mitchell at 443-7047 or

e-mailing to mitchelltk@msn

.com. Team McKenna bracel-ets are $3 each or $2.50 for two or more. Bondibands are $8 each.