The LA Galaxy has joined the fight to help a 12-year-old soccer and volleyball star from Encino who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.
After winning the school’s volleyball MVP award just days before school let out for summer, doctors told Christina Mullinax that she had a tumor on her brain stem. Now the sporty student of Our Lady of Grace School in Encino is undergoing a clinical drug trial, during which she receives intensive 3-hour sessions of speech, physical and occupational therapy and radiation.
The LA Galaxy partnered with a fundraising group, Team Christina, by offering discounted tickets for Saturday's game at $35 each with proceeds benefitting the Mullinax family and treatment for Christina, who is a member of her school’s Academic Decathlon team.
News of Christina’s illness devastated her school and community, and her family and friends are doing everything they can to garner support for her intense medical battle.
"This could easily be anyone’s child," said Renee Avitia-Rodriguez, a member of Team Christina.
The team created a Facebook page to spread the word about Christina’s treatment and road to recovery, post updates on her progress and encourage people to make a difference by attending the LA Galaxy's July 20 game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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"You don’t have to know Christina or her family to know how devastating this type of illness can be or to show support," Avitia-Rodriguez said.
Christina’s parents along with hundreds of friends and community members posted photos and encouraging words on the Facebook page, including one of her nurses from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she has already had surgery.
"You were on my mind and heart heavily last night. I pray that you have a progressive and good week with treatment. Can't wait to see you Friday, I'm sure there will be plenty of improvement you can show me," the nurse said on the page.
"Christina, you have excelled in every academic and athletic endeavor you have ever embarked on. This is a challenge unlike any other you have encountered. You have made your family proud in every possible way. This is not your fight, this is our fight," said a family friend and Team Christina member.
At Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. game, the LA Galaxy will recognize Christina on the scoreboard, and the Vancouver Whitecaps will present the Mullinax family with a signed jersey.
To get tickets that will benefit Christina, email RNeuren@lagalaxy.com or call 310-630-2144.
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