Lady Scots Honor Wish of Captain’s Sister
When Hyer Elementary School student Abigayl Thayer started feeling severe abdominal and joint pain in 2014, her parents started searching for a diagnosis. They took her to three different hospitals before taking her to Children’s Health, where 11 different specialty teams got on the case.
“She spent a month at Children’s and has returned three times since the initial stay. Children’s has been amazing in their effort to give a definitive diagnosis and treatment. [We] believe it to be an autoimmune disease,” her mom, Laine Thayer said in an email. “Abigayl has wanted to give back to Children’s so that they can continue to be energized in helping their patients. She has wanted the children to know that they are not alone and to have courage.”
Older sister, Maddi, and her Lady Scots soccer teammates have rallied to honor Abigayl’s wish and raised $5,050 for Children’s through the team’s annual fundraiser. Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers partnered with the team and donated 20 percent of profits from Feb. 25.
“We have so many friends and family in this community that have supported us in every way,” Laine said. “The HP Lady Scot soccer team choosing to support us as well as Children’s is an example of true goodness in service. Maddi’s teammates and coaches have walked this journey with her.”
The team presented Children’s Health with a check at their match against Mesquite Horn on Feb. 26. Abigayl was in the emergency room at Children’s the night of the presentation.
“Our family is grateful and humbled by the staff who are so loving to Abigayl,” Laine said.