Community response to Madison teen’s cancer diagnosis continues with major fundraiser

And the “Mattie’s Day Love, Hope, Cure” charity event will feature far more than a basketball game.

The nationally acclaimed Firecrackers Jump Rope team - with girls from Warren County’s Kings Schools - will also perform as well as both high schools’ pep bands, cheerleaders, Edgewood Choraliers, chances to win money and prizes through split the pot, half-court shots, raffle basket and concessions by Domino’s, Chick-fil-A and cookies by Angel Casteel.

Pam Pratt, spokeswoman for Edgewood Schools, said the district “wanted to partner with the Madison Mohawks to show our support to Mattie and her family.

“Our two communities have so many close connections, friendships and family ties. We hope this event will provide Mattie, and her family, with additional courage, hope, and financial support as she fights her battle against (cancer).”

After the Journal-News reported Cole’s struggle and her family’s challenges in paying for the life-saving treatments needed, officials from both school systems decided to work together to help out and encourage more community assistance.

The Cole family has no insurance.

Since last month, a GoFundMe account raised has raised more than $24,000 toward a $100,000 goal of covering Cole's medical care.

The chemotherapy treatments Mattie will receive in the next 10 months will cause her to become infertile, her mother said. Recently one of Mattie’s ovaries was harvested and frozen until she decides to start a family. That procedure, which isn’t covered by any insurance, will be paid by the GoFundMe account.

The March 12 event at Madison High School, 5797 West Alexandria Road, starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Student tickets are $3 and adults $5.

(Staff writer Rick McCrabb contributed to this story)