Hays Post
Sophia Linenberger, a sophomore at Thomas More Prep-Marian, was honored by the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team prior to their game against Ellsworth on Thursday night.
Linenberger was diagnosed in January of this year, with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer.
The football players gave Linenbeger yellow roses as they ran on the field. She also participated in the coin toss.
Sophia’s family wrote the following statement that was read by the announcer during the opening ceremony at the game:
“Sophia Linenberger, a sophomore at TMP-Marian was diagnosed in January of this year, with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer. She has undergone six weeks, five days a week of radiation.
“Along with this, she has undergone three surgeries. She has had chemotherapy in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Hospital each week since her diagnosis in January. Sophia has two more rounds of chemotherapy.
“Along with her and her family, tonight we want to announce to our Monarch Family, that Sophia is now in remission.
“After she finishes her remaining two weeks of chemotherapy, she will have a PET scan and a CT scan. If all goes well, she will then have the removal of her port surgery. She will be continuously and cautiously monitored with check-ups.
“She will also begin physical therapy to strengthen her legs to bring back her mobility to walk again.
“We would like to thank you for the cards, care packages, gift cards, donations, and above all, the continuous prayers. A special thank you to the Hays community and our TMP family. We ask that you continue to keep her in your prayers, as she still has a long way to go, before she will be fully recovered. God Bless and Go Monarchs! Sophia Strong.
“A special thank you of gratitude to Head TMP Football Coach, Jay Harris and the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team for the surprise of presenting Sophia with a yellow rose from each football player and every coach, to help her get through her last chemotherapy treatments.
“A special thank you to TMP’s Mr. James Harris, we are humbled for all that he has done for Sophia and our family.
“It was also a great honor for Sophia to be a part of the coin flipping for tonight’s game.”
