EL PASO — Dozens came to show their support for a 15-year-old girl battling cancer at a fundraiser at the El Paso Rhinos training center Saturday afternoon.
Katie Woods, 15, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in May.
"I have to stay strong everyday," Woods said. "I think about how I'm going to be on the ice in august next year, that's what keeps me going."
Woods, a passionate hockey player, found a lump on her leg toward the end of the season last April.
She underwent several exams where it was determined she had cancer in her her leg, hip, shoulder and spine.
The tumor was removed and Katie has gone through seven chemotherapy sessions and has lost her hair.
Through all that she remains strong with the support of her family.
"I've always been so close to my dad and he's helped me out so much through this," Woods said. "I really appreciate it."
Katie's father, Scott Woods, says her daughter has remained positive throughout her treatments.
"Katie just looks at me and says dad, I'm going to do this I'm going to beat this," Woods said. "This is not going to take me from anybody or my dreams of playing hockey."
Woods said his daughter's first medical bill was more than $50,000.
The Woods don't have any family in El Paso but have adopted the hockey community as family.
Saturday they raised money through a cook-out and silent auction to help pay for medical expenses.
Chiropractor David Sime is collecting donations and selling bracelets at his West El Paso office.
Sime Chiropractic Clinic
425 S. Mesa Hills Dr.
El Paso, TX 79912
Phone: (915) 581-5745
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