Whiz Kid: St. Michael Community Rallies for Aly

Alyona Juntunen is your typical 10-year-old girl. A fourth-grader at Big Woods, she loves soccer and swimming, even went to state in 2010. She started guitar lessons in January, and like many girls her age, loves arts and crafts. The youngest of two, Aly, her parents, Kevin and Jayne, and brother, Thomas, have lived in St. Michael for the last eight years. 

But "typical" is hard to come by, now. The Juntunen family has been shaken to their core as they found out that their daughter has brain cancer.

Last April, Aly had an eye exam and needed glasses. By November, rather than improving her vision, her eyes were even worse. By March, her ophthalmologist was so concerned, Aly was sent to a specialist. An MRI found a malignant tumor putting pressure on her optic nerves.

While initially the doctors thought the tumor could be surgically removed and was not cancerous, days later labs came back showing that Aly did indeed have cancer.

Her tumor is considered a mixed germ cell tumor.

“It’s one of the most rare forms,” writes Aly’s mom, on the blog the family started to share their story with friends and family. (http://lovingalyona.blogspot.com)

Since then Aly has started her eight to 10-month regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, just getting her second round behind her last week. However, not all has gone as planned.

“Her doctors say she is a complex girl,” states Aly’s mom. “I could have told them that!”

The chemotherapy has been harder on Aly than planned. “It seems she continues to be that one in a million patient as things come up.” Jayne says.

Aly hasn't been derailed by some of the side-effects cancer treatment can bring. 

“But she continues to be positive and strong.” Jayne added. “Our home care nurse has reminded us of just how resilient kids are and take things as they come. And it’s so true. I’m the one thinking complaints to myself about how hard this is.”

Aly was in the hospital through Saturday, recovering from complications during her second round of chemo. She made it home Sunday, May 1, to the delight of the hundreds of well-wishers following her every move on her mother's blog. 

“We are so overwhelmed and grateful for the support of friends, family and the community.” Jayne says. “Some of our neighbors have helped coordinate meals, activities, selling t-shirts, the school has put together a fundraiser, and it means so much.”

Big Woods Elementary is still conducting their fundraiser, Penny Wars. The grade levels are competing by bringing in pennies and other change, the grade level and classrooms with the most pennies brought in will be rewarded with things like special seating in the cafeteria, extra recess or even a hat day.

If you are interested in contributing, send money with your student or drop off your donation at Big Woods. All money raised is going directly to the Juntunen family.

There are also t-shirts and bracelets for sale at http://rally4aly.weebly.comwhere all money again goes to the Juntunen family.

For more information and to follow Aly’s story you can visit the family blog, posted here