Updated: August 13, 2019 07:43 PM
With the Coon Rapids/Andover Little League team in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series, they have another reason to leave it all on the field. Joe Schmit has the inspiring story of Jennifer Bloom, Dylan Bloom's mom.
Jennifer has been fighting for her life the past eight months. Jennifer was diagnosed with leukemia on January 4. Jennifer plans on making it to watch her son live out his dream of playing the in the biggest tournament of his life, but first she needs to continue with her cancer treatments.
Update Tuesday night: Jennifer has been given clearance by her medical team to travel to Williamsport.
"They have been my biggest supporters. I can't drive yet, and I take tons of medicine. I'm tired and I had every family in the hotel offer to drive me places. It's truly a family," said Jennifer Bloom.
***To see Joe Schmit's story on Jennifer Bloom, CLICK PLAY ABOVE***
Jennifer received a bone marrow transplant in May and is doing well, but for now it's one day at a time and she exclaims that she'll do anything to be a part of her son Dylan's journey.
"I missed my son playing in a baseball tournament in Las Vegas this summer, and I missed my daughters dance stuff. I missed all of my 7 year old and my 12 year olds basketball stuff and I promised him (Dylan) when I get out I wouldn't miss anything more," Jennifer Bloom said.
It's been a challenge to do just about anything the last few months, but Jennifer is determined to see her son and her husband -- Greg is the team's manager -- play/coach on the biggest Little League stage possible.
The Coon Rapids/Andover team will play its first game in the Little League World Series on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. against a team from Kentucky.
The team has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for expenses, so all the parents can make it to Williamsport. Click here to help their cause.
KSTP Sports
Updated: August 13, 2019 07:43 PM
Published: August 13, 2019 12:00 AM
Copyright 2019 - KSTP-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company