Small town creates 'last' Christmas for girl, 9, with terminal cancer
Share this @internewscast.com

A close-knit community in Maryland rallied to offer a little girl, who has been facing terminal cancer for several years, a joyful Christmas celebration in the middle of summer.

Kasey Zachmann, 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old. 

Following numerous difficult surgeries, experimental treatments, and cycles of chemotherapy and radiation, her parents, Alyssa and Joe, received devastating news from her doctors on June 23.

Doctors said Kasey’s cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and she may only have a few weeks to live. 

Determined to help their daughter spend her time filled with happiness and the presence of family and friends, Alyssa and Joe resolved to create cherished memories for her.

And with Kasey’s diagnosis day, June 28, just days away at the time, they planned to turn the glum anniversary into Kasey’s favorite holiday – Christmas Day. 

‘I was trying to think of fun things that we could do for Kasey to build memories,’ Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine

‘So we thought it would be amazing to give her the chance to celebrate Christmas one last time.’

Her immediately parents reached out to their neighbors, asking for them to decorate their homes with Christmas lights. 

Kasey Zachmann (middle), 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old

Kasey Zachmann (middle), 9, of Bethesda, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called medulloblastoma when she was five years old

Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts

Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts

‘This week will be incredibly hot and not the best climate for putting up lights, but we’re not sure how much time we have,’ the Zachmanns wrote to their neighbors, NBC reported. 

Despite the scorching heat and humidity, hundreds of community members happily complied with the festive request.

As neighbors decked the town with lights and wore Christmas-themed outfits, 25 firetrucks drove over to the Zachmann’s house – bringing Santa along with them.

Kasey, wearing a Nutcracker-themed dress, smiled as she enjoyed the day with other kids in her neighborhood and her sister, Zara. She also received cards and gifts.    

She and her family made sure to drive by each and every house that participated to show their gratitude. 

‘It was magical. We tried to get to every single house, so it took us two hours to drive around,’ Alyssa told Bethesda Magazine, noting that some people were standing in the rain when they arrived. 

What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border, according to The Washington Post.

Learning what no parent ever wants to hear, Alyssa (pictured with Kasey) and Joe were determined to make sure their daughter spends her time joyfully and surrounded by loved ones

Learning what no parent ever wants to hear, Alyssa (pictured with Kasey) and Joe were determined to make sure their daughter spends her time joyfully and surrounded by loved ones

What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border

What started as an email to those living nearby blew up into an event spanning 11 neighborhoods along the DC-Maryland border

This diagnosis day turned holiday party was even celebrated nationally, with people from all 50 states sending in videos to wish Kasey a merry Christmas. 

‘June 28 for us has been diagnosis day, has been a heavy day for us,’ Alyssa told NBC. 

‘For us to now be able to think about June 28 as Christmas in June, especially next year, we’re so thankful.’ 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Michelle Pfeiffer Criticizes Bill Gates in Surprising Outburst

Famed actress Michelle Pfeiffer has launched a surprising critique of billionaire Bill…

Trump Gives ICE More Authority to Take Needed Actions Following Attacks

President Donald Trump has instructed federal law enforcement to utilize ‘whatever means…

Judge Halts ‘Unlawful’ ICE Detentions in Southern California

A federal judge issued a significant rebuke to the Trump administration on…

Melania Trump Offers Uncommon Public Praise for Camp Mystic Girls

Melania Trump made a rare public statement on Friday as she paid…

Couple Separated Following ‘Foolish’ Error at the Border

A glamorous couple’s life was shattered when a woman was detained and…

Aaron Phypers Seen Without Wedding Ring Amid Estrangement from Denise Richards

Denise Richards’ estranged husband Aaron Phypers was spotted out in Los Angeles…

Conner Smith Faces Charges Following Pedestrian Death in Collision

Country star Conner Smith has been charged after he struck and killed…

Caitlyn Jenner Seen Mourning After Loss of Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner was seen on Friday, over a week after her best…

Ty Cobb Confirms: Attorney General Pam Bondi Will Stay in Position

Former White House special counsel Ty Cobb said Friday on CNN’s “OutFront”…

Nurse Claims She Spotted Travis Decker, But Police Dismissed Her Report

An Idaho nurse claims that authorities did not promptly respond to her…

Breitbart Business Digest: U.S. Economic Confidence Reaches Peak Levels in Recent Years

The “Good Vibrations” Economy One of the best kept secrets in the…

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Renovate Their $16M Mansion

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz invested $16 million in a Beverly Hills…