Travis Hess, math teacher and head coach of the Langley Boys Varsity Basketball team, and his wife Suzanne, 5th grade teacher at John Adams Elementary, recently learned that their one year old daughter, Gianna, is battling a rare form of liver cancer called Hepatoblastoma that affects 1 in 1 million children per year. Despite being overwhelmed with the stress that accompanies the birth of having a premature newborn son just four weeks ago, Travis and Suzanne must focus their energy on the treatment of their young daughter. Travis immediately stepped down from his beloved head coaching position at Langley and his wife will be unable to return to her job in order to care for their ill child.
The future is difficult for doctors to predict right now as Gianna's condition is very serious; however, they are optimistic that little Gianna will win her battle against cancer but the road ahead is long and difficult. As always, our community does a wonderful job assisting those in their time of need and this truly is a family in need of help. If you are able to 'pay it forward', please use the following PayPal link to send donations to the Hess Family or send your contributions to Langley High School, Attn: Travis Hess - Helpers (Please make check payable to Travis Hess - Helpers), 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean VA 22101. Paypal Link
In addition, GFHoops and the community is showing its support of GIanna by participating in the LaceUp4PediatricCancer project by purchasing and wearing neon yellow shoelaces. Lace up 4 Pediatric Cancer
Please accept this email as sincere thanks on behalf of the Hess Family and know that you made a difference today for a family in need. You can use the following link to track Gianna's progress and leave well wishes for the family at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/giannahess.
