Fundraiser planned for local girl with brain tumor

Sidney's got heart.

At least that's what Marie and Robert Fiebig think. They've been deeply moved by the support received after their 6-year-old daughter, Paige, was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer.

Before they knew anything was wrong, Paige's parents considered her to be very healthy.

"Before all this," Marie said, "she was the child we always said never got sick."

However, shortly after moving to Sidney from Illinois, they noticed that Paige was ill.

At first they didn't worry too much. "Different area, different germs," Marie said about their initial thoughts, as though maybe Paige's immune system wasn't used to their new home.

They soon learned that Paige had a three-centimeter tumor growing in her brain.

Paige was diagnosed in July with Pineoblastoma, a rare, malignant brain tumor that grew in the area of her pineal gland.

Symptoms of brain tumors of this type typically include hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid pressure in the brain. This pressure causes headaches, vomiting, and sometimes a difficulty looking upward.

Paige underwent two brain surgeries back-to-back in order to relieve the pressure in her brain.

Then, Paige endured six weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiation treatment, to great success. The Fiebigs say that the results from a recent MRI showed that the tumor was no longer viable.

"That part of the treatment was very effective," said Robert Fiebig. However, there is much more to do.

Paige will now undergo nine months of chemotherapy – stronger, more intensive chemotherapy – along with blood tests and other labs, toward eradicating the tumor completely.

The Fiebigs describe Paige as a happy girl who loves art, music and playing with her friends. She's the type of girl who likes to make things for people to make them feel good.

Paige also loves hats, and has received many hats as gifts from loved ones and friends since her diagnosis.

"She likes fashion. She likes to dress up," Marie said of her daughter.

Despite the pain of treatment, and the pokes and prods of nurses and doctors, Paige is still a bright, positive girl.

"She's had her days," Marie said, "but 80 percent of the time she's in really great spirits.

"She's always been a sensitive girl, and she's self-conscious of course – nervous about seeing some of her classmates because of losing her hair (to chemotherapy). But she has a positive outlook, generally."

Paige went to Central Elementary last year, but has not gone to school this year due to her treatments.

The nurses at the Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colo., love her, Marie said. They like how stubborn she is. The medical staff would let Paige listen to music and bring her stuffed animals for treatments, and they would dance for her and her stuffed pals.

"They get a kick out of her," Marie said.

While the prognosis for Paige seems positive, the cost of treatment, travel, gas and hotels has been more than the Fiebigs expected. Although they have insurance, it has a limit, and doesn't cover all expenses.

"The financial part has been a shock," Robert said.

However, they've been awed by the support they've received from friends and family.

"It's like going through a storm or a hard time," Marie Fiebig said. "There are so many positives that you see coming out of it. It's been really amazing as far as outreach."

Amy Samuelson, Bonnie Kettler and Joyelle Kennedy, co-workers of Robert's at Cabela's, felt compelled to help even more.

"We sat down and brainstormed about what to do as a fundraiser," said Samuelson. "We came up with a talent show."

The Sidney's Got Heart Benefit for Paige Fiebig is a talent show, dinner and auction, borne out of the affection and concern the three ladies have for the Fiebigs.

"We've really gotten to know Rob and his wife and their girls," said Samuelson. "It's a great family. We just want to help as much as we can.

"We're just very conscious of what they're going through financially and emotionally."

The event is set to be held Nov. 15 at the Sidney High School Performing Arts Center, and will start off at 6 p.m with a dinner of cavatini, salad, rolls and dessert, followed by a talent show at 7 p.m. An auction will take place between talent acts.

Local people have donated items and services for the auction, including furniture, art and more. Samuelson herself is an amateur photographer and will be donating some of her framed photographs to be auctioned off.

Samuelson said they are hoping to have about 20 acts, and still need talent for the show.

"All ages, any kind of talent," she said. "Singing, dancing, a comic routine, juggling – we're just looking for a variety for people buying tickets."

Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded to the audience's favorite acts, and each vote will cost $1. All proceeds will go to the Fiebigs to help with expenses.

Tickets for the full event, including dinner, show and auction cost $20 and will be available until Nov 14. Show-only tickets include the auction and cost $10. These can be purchased at the door.

"We have a lot of support; overwhelming support," Marie said. "We're humbled and blessed by that.

"We've only been here a year, and so many people have reached out to us. It's very humbling."

To enter the talent show or to order tickets, visit [email protected]. Talent acts will be accepted until Nov. 8.