Libby Kulas, pictured here with a friend, is battling a recurrence of cancer. A dinner to benefit the Southwick teen is set for tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at the John Boyle O’reilly Club. (Photo from helpmiracles.org)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick teen Libby Kulas is battling a recurrence of cancer.
Diagnosed two years ago, Kulas, who adopted the “Lib Strong” philosophy, has not given up her fight against medulloblastoma – the most common malignant brain tumor in children and young adults.
To help Kulas continue to wage her war against cancer, the Friends of Libby will host a spaghetti supper tomorrow at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, 33 Progress St., Springfield, from 6-9 p.m.
Family friend Joanna Guindon said Kulas, 13, is a middle school student and a fighter. Guindon became friends with Kulas’ mother through a social network for parents with children battling cancer.
Kulas’ journey began around Thanksgiving of 2010 when she started complaining of headaches. By Christmas, her sinuses were stuffed but when antibiotics didn’t help and the headaches turned into migraines, Kulas’ mother, Micki Bertrand, spoke to the 11 year-old’s pediatrician who scheduled an MRI.
Kulas is an honors student who loves being silly, craft projects, and magic. Bertrand told her to hang onto those things as she underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy.
Two years later, Kulas is battling again and her friends and family organized a night in her honor to help.
Event supporters include a group of Griffin’s Friends runners. Griffin’s Friends is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing support to children with cancer that was founded in 1994 in Springfield. Griffin’s Friends raises funds in the name of, and on behalf of, the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc., which is a tax-exempt, nonprofit entity that supports the nonprofit entities in the Baystate Health system, including, but not limited to, Baystate Medical Center, Inc.
Guindon said as part of the awareness of the group, Boston Marathon runners will run in honor and support of a child with cancer. Kulas’ runners are continuing to support her through tomorrow’s spaghetti supper and will serve as “celebrity” bartenders.
“Last year Libby was able to go to the marathon and see her runners,” said Guindon.
Following the successful removal of her tumor after her diagnosis, Kulas began a six-week-long intense radiation regimen to the brain and spine, followed by a six-month course of chemotherapy.
Today, Kulas is experiencing a recurrence of her cancer and remains hopeful. After her diagnosis, she stayed true to her character and instead of seeking pity, she sought donations to help other children.
Kulas became an ambassador for the Walk for Miracles event at Six Flags New England
All proceeds from Walk for Miracles remain local and support pediatric needs throughout Baystate Health, including equipment, outreach programs and services at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.
Tickets for the Friends of Libby event are $20/pp or $45 per family. The event includes dinner, celebrity bartenders, music, a magic show, craft tables and more. Tickets will be available at the door or contact Joanna at 204-7211 or Sharon at [email protected].
