Students Fighting Cancer to Receive Support at 'Coaches Vs. Cancer' Game at St. Michael-Albertville High School

A St. Michael-Albertville High School girls basketball game set for Tuesday shoots to raise money for two local students battling cancer.

The annual Coaches Vs. Cancer game will benefit sixth-grade St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East students Aly Juntunen and Tyler Purohit — all funds raised will stay local.

STMA will host the Monticello Magic — ninth grade and junior varsity play at 5:45 p.m., with varsity following at 7:15 p.m.

STMA coaches shared this information about Juntunen and Purohit:

Aly was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor in April of 2011.  She has undergone surgery to remove the tumor and has had plates inserted to help her head heal. She has MRIs to check for any reoccurring tumors every 3 months, and has been cancer free since November 17th.  Aly has lost vision in her right eye and a majority of her left eye. These days she is feeling well, is active in swimming, and is doing well in school! 

Tyler was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4, an aggressive form of brain cancer in January of 2012. He has had surgery to implant a shunt to relieve the fluid pressure, biopsies, MRIs, and continues to have radiation and chemotherapy treatments. His latest MRI in December showed no growth or movement of the tumor! Tyler is doing well, but is cautious to not get sick these days. Tyler's favorite past time activities include playing video games, and watching the Vikings.

Childhood Cancer Awareness T-shirts will be sold prior to and during the game, with all proceeds going to Juntunen and Purohit. To preorder by Wednesday at 9 a.m., email your request to stephaniel@stma.k12.mn.us. A supply of T-shirts will also be available for purchase at the game.

At the game, STMA will also raise funds by selling raffle tickets for a flat screen TV, Timberwolves tickets, passes to Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, and other prizes. There will also be a 50/50 cash drawing.

Drawings will be held at halftime of the varsity game.