Battling with Bailey

Earlier this year, 16-year-old Bailey Jacobson went to see the doctor with a cough.

Her mother, Karla, said she could sense something else wasn't quite right, however, and so she asked for blood work just to be sure.

The results revealed abnormal counts in Bailey's system, such as low levels of hemoglobin - a protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

More tests followed, and not long after a CT scan revealed a mass in Bailey's chest.

She was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the same cancer that afflicted her younger sister, Taylin, five years ago.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune response that helps to fight off infections and illness.

Thankfully, Taylin is now cancer free, but Bailey's battle is only just beginning.

Her Hodgkin's Lymphoma is in its third stage, meaning it's already spread to the spleen and other parts of her abdomen, and the treatment she must now fight through is arduous.

On Oct. 31, Bailey will undergo her fourth round of chemotherapy at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo - just one-third of the dozen rounds she'll have to brave in the coming months.

The treatment is also expensive, and the community is now being invited to help Bailey and the entire Jacobson family as they once again take on cancer.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the local community is invited to a benefit at the New Rockford Eagles Club from 4:30 - 8 p.m.

There will be a BBQ supper with salads, chips and bars, as well as a meat raffle and a 50/50 drawing.

To purchase raffle tickets, contact Tiffany Schaefer at (701) 302-0175 or Jodi Hirchert at (701) 302-0070. Raffle tickets will also be made available at the benefit.

Another way to help is by ordering "Battling with Bailey" t-shirts and hoodies. Those interested can go to pvapparel4u.com and click the "Fundraiser" link. For each shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Jacobson family.

Direct cash or check gifts can be made payable to: Bailey Jacobson Benefit, Bank Forward, 6 - 8th Street South, New Rockford, N.D. 58356.

The support for Bailey and the entire Jacobson family has already moved some to tears.

As a player for the Rockets' volleyball team, she's seen immense support from her team and local community, but also from the teams and communities they've competed against.

Nearly every team the Rockets played against this past month has expressed its support for Bailey by purchasing and wearing "Battling with Bailey" tees and donating funds for her medical expenses. Each team's support has been documented by Transcript staff member Kyrie Dauenhauer in her coverage of the Rocket volleyball team. This week in sports, we feature the actions of the Griggs-Midkota Titans and Nelson County Chargers.

Both Bailey and Karla Jacobson expressed their thanks to everyone who's shown their support.

"It's so humbling and amazing," said Karla. "It's overwhelming just the support everybody has given us. ... All of our family, our close friends, the community, people throughout the state, the volleyball teams, there's just so many people that are amazing."

"I would like to thank my friends, family, volleyball team(s), school and whole community who has supported me during this time," added Bailey. "The support has been amazing and so much appreciated!!"