Girl fighting cancer helped by plane crash survivor

WEST LINN, Ore. - Big Macs and Happy Meals are helping a new Portland family battle their daughter's cancer.

Kiersa Jacobs was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma just before her third birthday. On Tuesday, her family received half of all proceeds from dinner sales between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at a McDonald's on Highway 43 in West Linn.

Teachers and students from Rosemont Ridge Middle School worked with their local Sparrow Club, an organization dedicated to teaching students how to reach out to other kids in medical need, to organize the event.

They held the fundraiser at a franchise owned by Mindy Mayer, the sole survivor of a plane crash in Alaska last summer that claimed the lives of her husband, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

In an interview with KATU News last November, Mayer said the crash inspired her to cherish every day that life has to offer - and energized her desire to help others.

Kiersa's family recently moved from Montana so that she could receive cancer treatment at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Ewings Sarcoma causes tumors to grow in her bones, causes pain to her bladder and makes it difficult for her to walk.

"It's very overwhelming. I didn't think it'd be this big at all," said Kiersa's mother, Jill Jacobs, in response to the large turnout. "We feel like we've been really taken in being so far from home."

Their support group now includes teachers and student volunteers from Rosemont Ridge Middle School and the Portland-area Sparrow Clubs.

"That's what this whole night's about is working for family and making life a little easier for Kiersa and her parents," said student Adam Winterling.

Mayer said she does not mind losing some of her daily sales.

"No, it actually makes me feel good. What does money do for you anyway? I mean, you can't take it with you, and if anyone learned that it was me this summer," she said.

Throughout the evening, Mayer talked about her 3-year-old granddaughter, Allison, who died after 51 days in the hospital following last year's plane crash. 

"They're the same age and look so much alike," she said, referring to the first time she met Kiersa earlier in the evening.

Mayer said she did not expect to see so much of Allison's spirit in Kiersa.

"To see this little girl actually brings a lot of memories of the last time I saw my granddaughter, and I'll have to be honest - it's hard. It's hard," Mayer said, with tears in her eyes. "And I'm just pulling for that little girl. I just hope she makes it. I'll be thinking positive thoughts for her."

Jacobs said her daughter still faces 14 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by possible radiation treatment and surgery.