Benefit for Boardman girl draws hundreds today

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A fundraiser at Mahoning United Methodist Church to benefit a 12-year-old Boardman girl battling a rare form of cancer attracted more than 750 people Saturday, far exceeding the organizers’ expectations.

Co-workers of the girl’s mother, Anne Marie Salus, at Boardman Medical Supply, organized the event to help pay for costs related to the next phase of her daughter’s treatment.

Marissa Salus was diagnosed with Chordoma, a rare type of cancer that occurs in the bones of the skull and spine, which is unusual in children.

She has since undergone two extensive surgeries, and the next phase of her treatment will begin in Philadelphia July 10 and last for eight weeks. At that time, doctors will begin a rare form of radiation treatment to keep the cancer at bay.

The fundraiser featured a spaghetti dinner, raffle, basket auction, dunking booth and several other carnival-themed activities.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.