Neighborhood touch football game supports teen with cancer

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. (WPVI) -- An annual Phoenixville neighborhood touch football game has a special meaning this year: the funds being raised are on behalf of 15-year old Isabella Desimone.

Izzy is battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, and for months now she has endured chemotherapy and marrow transplants in her painful fight to overcome the disease.

Her bravery has inspired her neighbors, who said the funds will go to Izzy's favorite causes.

"It is very meaningful for her to be able to take the money and donate it to cancer research and help other young children," said Keri Shahpari.

Her family has hung with her all the way, but it has been a tough hall.

Having to be in the hospital and going on these chemo trips, going to the hospitals and fighting this has basically been hard," said Luisa Desimone, Izzy's mother.

Izzy said some of the aspects have been tough, but she still tries to see the positive.

"Losing my hair has been a big struggle, I am a teenage girl," she said.

For the Desimone family, the kick-off of this holiday season is a crucial period, a time when her progress will be evaluated and the way forward till be spelled out.

"The scans are right before Christmas. Hopefully they go well," said Izzy. "I believe they will. I'm excited for it."

The family said as they wait for test results coming in weeks, the good will and the prayers are deeply appreciated.

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