Girl battling rare cancer inspires local high school

EAST BOSTON (WHDH) - A sick little girl is inspiring a lot of people and on Tuesday, it paid off.

Three-year-old Alisha Savage is battling a rare form of brain cancer. Her family decided to move all the way from Ireland to Boston to get the best treatment they could.

She’s only 3 years old, but Alisha has already had an impact on so many lives.

“It touched our hearts. It's very special to use. We went through ordeals like this,” said Robert Anthony, hockey coach.

Alisha and her family moved to Boston last month so that she can receive treatment for AT/RT, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

When members of the East Boston High School hockey and baseball teams heard about Alisha's story, then knew they wanted to help.

“So many of us have been touched by cancer…we came to the decision to donate the money to her,” said Anthony Bruno, senior.

A $5,000 donation; money the teams raise every year to go towards cancer research, but this year they voted unanimously to give the money to Alisha and her family.

“I don't think words can describe it. To come from as far as we have and to receive this kind of response is amazing,” said John Savage, Alisha's father.

John Savage and his family don't have insurance, so they are paying for Alisha's treatments out of their own pocket and it's going to be a long and expensive battle.

“We're more than appreciative of the funds and she's gonna need them. Hopefully we can get the result we're all looking for,” said John Savage.

It's a big check for this little girl with a big heart as she continues her fight against this horrible disease.