PEMBERVILLE – In early July, 5-year-old Isabelle Chappuies starting having some stomach pains.
The pains continued for weeks. After several doctor and hospital visits and a test that showed she had
some low blood cell counts, "Belle" was diagnosed with leukemia on July 22.
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a family, but the Chappuies family has remained positive.
The type of cancer Isabelle has, called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has a better survival rate in
comparison to other types of cancer, said her mother, Holly Chappuies.
But, despite a promising prognosis, Isabelle had to spend 30-plus days in the hospital after her
diagnosis to begin her chemotherapy. She will undergo 26 months of treatment.
To assist with the family’s medical bills and other expenses, members of the Eastwood High School
volleyball team have organized a benefit on Tuesday.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in coordination with the volleyball match against Elmwood. There will be a
gift basket raffle, a serving contest, 50/50 raffle and bake sale.
Chappuies’ niece, Brittany Firsdon, plays on the Eastwood volleyball team.
"I guess it was her idea to do along with her teammates," said Isabelle’s mother, who teaches
at Eastwood Middle School.
Isabelle attends kindergarten at Pemberville Elementary. She can’t be at school every day because she
spends two or three days a week at the hospital.
Despite this, Isabelle is holding strong.
"She is such a little fighter," her mother said.
Holly Chappuies added the family has received an outpouring of support from the Eastwood community as
well as the Ottawa Hills School District where her husband teaches.
Her daughter’s hospital room was lined from ceiling to floor with cards. Students have also organized
lemonade stands to benefit the youngster. And community members have sent food, gift cards and expressed
support in many other ways.
Following 26 months of treatment, is it hopeful Isabelle will be in remission. If she is in remission for
five years, "she is pretty much out of the woods," her mother said.
"It is just one of those roller coasters rides you didn’t expect to be on."
