By Laurie Kohnen, EV-W Voice
“This little girl has become my #1 hero. Her strength amazes us,” said Carrie Ludwig, the mother of four-year-old Alizabeth Ludwig.
Last December, Alizabeth was diagnosed with leukemia. The moment family friend Stacy Moerhle heard the news, she began planning a benefit for the Ludwig family.
The benefit for Alizabeth, the daughter of Steve and Carrie Ludwig, will be held from 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Roadside Tavern in Roscoe.
“When I first learned about Alizabeth’s diagnosis, I felt compelled to do something to help but wasn’t sure what. As a parent, I immediately put myself in the Ludwigs’s shoes and wondered what I would do if one of our kids was diagnosed with cancer or any other medical condition,” Moerhle explained.
Last December, Alizabeth was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia which affects certain cells in the immune system, the B cells and T cells. This type of cancer usually affects B cells in children, leaving Alizabeth with the diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The disease begins in a child’s bone marrow and grows rapidly, which delays the bone marrow from producing enough normal cells. Alizabeth began chemotherapy right away at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
“Alizabeth’s journey, with her courage and strength and love and support, is kinda like the ‘Row the Boat’ mantra by Gophers coach P.J. Fleck: never give up,” said Carrie.
Moerhle and her husband Brian discussed ways they could help ease the stress and financial burden on the Ludwig family, allowing them to focus on caring for Alizabeth while still providing for their other four girls, explained Moerhle. They coordinated an online meal train, having people sign up to provide meals for the family on designated dates. A T-shirt fundraiser, with the help of friends at Hometown Screenprinting and Design, was also held, with the proceeds from the sale being donated to the Ludwigs.
“Presenting Carrie with the first check from the T-shirt sales brought tears to my eyes. She was so grateful, and maybe somewhat overwhelmed, by the outpouring of support from our community. We take pride in being able to independently provide