Getting back to a normal family life after the death of a child can take awhile. Just ask David and Kay Szott of Eagan, MN.  In 1984, their 2nd son, Andrew, was born with a brain tumor. His six year battle ended on August 26, 1990. The angels and his Father in heaven rejoiced!

David and Kay focused on their other son, Brian, and baby Abby, struggling to return to a normal family life. Fourteen years later, Brian has graduated from high school and is now working and attending college. Abby was an outgoing child of God who exceled in gymnastics which was her passion. From the time she was seven she competed for TAGS South working her way quickly to Level 9. At the end of 7th grade she decided to compete and qualified for the varsity team at Eagan High School. She qualified for state as a freshman and sophmore. Abby was active in her church, loved children, and was accepted at Iowa State University to study Sports Medecine. Never in their wildest dreams did David and Kay think that cancer would strike their family twice. But it did.

In June of 2004, Abby was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Because she was so athletic and driven, her initial complaints of minor pain were attributed to the effects of her training. When the pain only increased, greater medical analysis was obtained and the diagnosis was made of stage 4 cancer. And the memories of Andrew’s struggles returned to haunt the family. With prayer and the support of loving friends and family, they strived to maintain a “normal” household. Due to hundreds of generous people, Kay was able to take a leave of absence from her full time teaching job to be with Abby.

Abby underwent aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment which continued for about about 15 months. She attended school as much as possilbe and maintained a beautifully positive attitude while spending many days at the clinic and home, receiving IV treatments and recovering from the their effects. She looked forward to spending her senior year free from cancer. In August 2005, tests indicated that she was, in fact, cancer free.

Abby’s cancer returned, however, just three months later. Due to her sudden and extensive recurrence, her prognosis was bleak. As a rusult, Abby and her family decided to change the course of her treatment to an alternative one. Kay took another leave from her job without pay. Abby’s cancer continued to progress with vigor in spite of all efforts and prayers. Her battle ended very early in the morning on March 14, 2006. The angels and her Father in heaven once again rejoiced!

Abby’s family has established the Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation in memory of their children. Often, as in the case of Abby’s family, one parent must take a leave from work to take care of and be with the sick child. This puts a tremendous financial burden on the family. Money donated to the foundation will help provide the Gift of Time to parents of children with cancer in the Twin Cities area. Please send donations to 870 Cornwallis Ctl. Eagan, MN 55123

Thank you for your financial consideration in this matter. To keep updated as to the progress of the Foundation, please visit http://www.szottfoundation.org/