Varsity Volleyball Team Supports Recovering Transplantee
15-year-old Abby Bowser, of Rural Valley, received a live liver transplant August 27 from New York teen Delmar Reiff, but is still recovering. (submitted)
by Jonathan Weaver
A Rural Valley student who received a new liver at the end of August is still receiving community prayers as she tries to recover.
Abby Bowser, 15, underwent a 12-hour-long liver transplant August 27 at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, but her body has since rejected the organ on-and-off during the past three weeks, Bowser’s mother Sharyn Anthony said.
“She’s had five admissions since the transplant – it’s been kind-of hard on her,” Anthony said. “She was on the (transplant) list for two-and-a-half years before she got the call.”
Some of those thoughts and prayers came from the West Shamokin High School varsity girls` volleyball team Tuesday evening during their home matches against Derry Area.
West Shamokin put on their third-annual “Green Out” to support Bowser.
Boosters Association Treasurer Joanie Riggle said $425 was collected during a basket raffle Tuesday night.
“The proceeds went to Abby for her medical expenses or whatever they need that for,” Riggle said. “Volleyball doesn’t get as big of a crowd as if you were at a basketball game or a football game, so for that size of a crowd, I thought we did pretty well.”
Riggle‘s daughter, Carmen, is a senior on the varsity team while daughter, Rylee is friends with Bowser’s sister, Jessie.
Sophomore varsity volleyball defensive specialist Olivia Fusaro and her teammates swept the three matches Tuesday night – while wearing green-and-blue tie-dye headbands and tie-dye socks - and remain undefeated in the regular season.
The team plays their final matches night against Greensburg Salem – which is also Senior Night.
Fusaro said Bowser was in the back of their heads during the game.
“Of course it was - we knew what we had to do, and we really wanted to just do it for Abby,” Fusaro said.
Fusaro – who went to Shannock Valley Elementary with Bowser - said the team also sent Bowser a video message before the matches.
“When she was diagnosed in sixth grade, we all were very upset about it,” Fusaro said.
Anthony was appreciative of all the “Green Out” events.
“They’re very generous,” Anthony said. “Very sweet of these girls – they’re all very kind-hearted.”
Because of her hospitalization, Bowser is currently a PA Cyber student rather than in 10th grade at West Shamokin Junior-Senior High.
Unfortunately, Bowser was unable to attend the volleyball matches, but Anthony was optimistic.
Doctors have been utilizing steroids and other treatments since, and the latest treatment seems to have worked so far.
“A couple of times when we had to go to the ER, she was pretty sick – but this time, she’s doing really well. So many side effects and she’s sailing right through it,” Anthony said.
Just like the team does, local residents can receive updates regarding Bowser and send positive messages to Bowser’s Facebook page, “Abby’s Angels.”
Local News, Local Sports | jweaver October 15, 2015
