ECC sells shirts to help student with DIPG

September 27, 2022

Elowyn Pollard is know around Trinity's Early Childhood Center as Wynnie, the happy girl with side ponytail that other students wanted to emulate. Now, instead of copying her hair, many are wearing shirts emblazoned with her name--just one of the local fundraisers supporting Elowyn and she fights for her life. 

At just three-years-old, Elowyn was learning something new every day but then her parents noticed changes in her speech and then her balance. By the time she turned four, she had seen multiple doctors who were trying to figure out why she was suddenly struggling developmentally. This spring, an MRI found diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, a highly aggressive brain tumor that is difficult to treat because of it's location in the brainstem.  About 300 children in the United State are diagnosed with DIPG each year and there is no cure. 

"I stood in the waiting room of the doctor’s office to get the appointment for the MRI and it was the most devastating news a parent could ever hear: Your kid has terminal cancer, it spread in her brain and she has months to live," April Malak, Elowyn's mother, told FOX 2 News earlier this summer. said. "It’s literally like one percent of these kids make it two years, one percent - and you have to hope that your kid is that one percent."

Almost immediately after her diagnosis, Elowyn began a new chapter in her battle--radiation. She travels to the University of Michigan to get the treatment, which is designed to shrink the tumor and slow the progression of any symptoms. 

"Elowyn's last day of radiation is on Oct. 3 and she has danced and laughed through radiation. She's been so amazing and brave going to the hospital every day for radiation," said Malak. "So far, she is symptom free and her usual happy self."

Once she completes radiation, her parents hope to start a clinical trial in November.  All of the treatment comes at a cost. While several fundraisers have been held for her family and a GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for any travel or medical expenses related to a trial, Trinity's Early Childhood Center wanted to do more for the family. As a family of five with both parents helping their daughter fight cancer, there are many unexpected costs.

"We have "Elowyn's Army" t-shirts for sale in the ECC for anyone who would like to purchase one," said Jessica Platte, ECC director. "There are three symbols on the shirt that represent Elowyn's three favorite things, Key Lime yogurt, Buzz Lightyear, and Frozen. All proceeds will be given directly to the Pollard family."

On Wednesdays, many of the ECC staff members are participating in Wynnie Wednesdays, where they wear their Elowyn's Army shirts to work.

"The shirts are more than just a way to support the family. We also hope they will raise awareness of DIPG," said Platte

There are shirts available in the ECC office for purchase. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the ECC office at or call 586-463-8803. To support the Pollard family, visit the GoFundMe page. The page not only accepts donations but also contains information about upcoming fundraisers. 

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