A Coquitlam woman is hoping the city’s baseball community will rally around one of its own Little Leaguers who’s going through a tough time.
Wednesday, Sharon Perry launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family of 12-year-old Matty Sherdahl, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.
In less than a day, the effort has already surpassed $11,000 of its $100,000 goal.
Perry said the money will help pay for Matty’s treatment, which is still in its early stages but is expected to be long and arduous after he underwent two surgeries last week for a biopsy and to relieve pressure from fluid buildup on his brain.
She said more than four months of chemotherapy and two months of radiation are likely in the young baseball player’s future, and some of the drugs may not be fully covered by health insurance.
As well, the family will be taking time off work obligations as they navigate their way through Matty’s illness.
“It’s going to be a lot,” said Perry of the load that the Sherdahl’s will be bearing in the coming weeks and months. “The last thing anyone going through this needs to be thinking about is the financial aspect.”
Perry, whose daughter, Kendra, played on the same Little League team as Matty when they first started out, and whose husband, Jason, has coached him as well, said Chris and Tamara Sherdahl have been enthusiastic supporters of their son’s baseball endeavours.
She said they’re always ready to lend a hand maintaining and preparing the diamonds, running the concessions, scorekeeping and even raising money through an annual sale of raffle books.
“The family gives above and beyond in every single way they can,” Perry said, adding Tamara Sherdahl is the one parent you want on your team “because you will win the team pizza party at the end of the season” that is the reward for raising the most funds to support the league.
Perry added Matty’s mom was also supportive of her own recent battle with breast cancer, even tracking down a box of freezies for her late one night to satisfy a sudden craving after a surgery.
“This whole family is nothing short of amazing, kind-hearted beings,” she said. “This is the family that does GoFundMes for other people.”
To pitch in for Matty Sherdahl’s fight against a brain tumour, go to .
