COLUMBUS, OHIO: Ally Anderson, born on March 25, 2007, was the "biggest fan" of Taylor Swift. The Ohio native also attended the 'Cruel Summer' singer's Eras Tour this year.
Ally was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), an aggressive childhood muscle cancer on September 5, 2018.
Anderson tragically died on Monday, November 13, 2023, after five grueling years of battling the disease.
Now, ‘The Ally Anderson Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Fund’ has been established in her honor to raise research funds through the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation to help find safer and less toxic treatments for ARMS.
What did Ally Anderson say about her fight with cancer?
While talking about her cancer, Ally stated, “Five years ago, on September 5, 2018, I heard the dreaded words, ‘You have cancer’ and since then, I have heard those words an additional 5 times making this the 6th fight for my life…At 16 years old, I have been forced to think about my life and the end more than a kid should have to.”
She continued, ”This is why we need more funding for research. I feel that kids should not be faced with life-or-death situations. I believe that we can help raise money to fight cancer. Knowing and learning about cancer is important because it could be anyone. I thought it could never be me until it was, and I quickly realized how common it is. It shouldn’t take a diagnosis of you or someone you love to get involved.”
At the request of Ally, the initial funding will support the promising research done by Oncoheroes.
Oncoheroes is dedicated to developing new therapies for children with cancer and is currently conducting an academic basket trial to test its lead compound, Volasertib.
The purpose of this trial is to find signs of efficacy in several types of pediatric cancers, including Rhabdomyosarcoma.
This basket trial would be the first comprehensive pediatric evaluation of this promising compound and would serve as the basis for a later global registration trial in the most suitable pediatric indication.
The Ally Anderson Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Fund has received 59% of the funds of its $50K goal, having raised over $29K.
Internet and Swifties pays tribute to Ally Anderson
Social media users, especially Swifties, paid tribute to Ally Anderson after the news of her death spread online. Many shared messages of condolences for the Anderson family and friends on X.
One X user wrote, “No. I’m so sorry for your loss. As a cancer survivor, I have so many emotions when this happens in our swiftie community or in general. This is why I have dedicated my life to cancer drug development. Sending so much love.”
Another user said, “I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Ally personally, but I lost my best friend to cancer this year, and I know how hard it is. Sending my love to all of her friends and family.”
Another X user wrote, “Rest in power, Ally. So happy to see you enjoying yourself at the Eras Tour.”
One user wrote, “I’m so so sorry, sending all of my love and support.”
Another user said, “We are very sorry about this, this is really very sad, we hope you are well and may God help you to have strength in this very delicate moment, everything will be fine.”
Another user wrote, “So sorry for your loss she was such a beautiful soul."
One person tweeted, “This is devastating. may she rest in peace.”
Another X user said, “Ally will ALWAYS be remembered and loved in this community/family.”
