Family, Friends of Little Girl Battling Cancer Seek Community Support

Zoe Feldman, 2 1/2, was released from Children's Hospital Los Angeles Tuesday night, two weeks after being diagnosed with sarcoma botryoides, a malignant tumor of the muscles that are attached to the bones.

Her father, Jeffrey Feldman, told Agoura Hills Patch that although she's been through some "terrible stuff," she's been "absolutely amazing."

The pre-schooler, where her mother Ravit also teaches, must undergo two forms of chemotherapy, which leaves her weak and susceptible to illness, as part of her ongoing treatment plan.

"Right now her prognosis is good," said Feldman.

In the meantime, the Feldmans' friends are rallying to support them during this difficult time.

"Though I thought we were going to be okay on our own, my friend [Ayellet Sherman], who's been through this before with her niece, told us what to expect and what we were going to need," said Feldman.

Sherman, along with Keren Latzer, created fliers which have been sent throughout the local school and community. In addition to providing information on how to help the Feldmans, the flier states:

We stand together as a community to support the Feldman family, and to pray for a quick and complete recovery.

Currently, friend Karen Bradley is establishing a Facebook website, Zoe's Helping Hands, where people can offer messages, prayers and find out how they can help and donate. 

Feldman says that the family is staying strong, because "we have to be." Zoe's older brothers, Ky, 15, and Shane, 11, have also been very supportive, though Feldman says their sister's illness has taken its toll on them, too. 

A bright spot that occurred for Zoe during her hospital stay was an invitation to have her nails done during a special visit from Kris and Kourtney Kardashian, Feldman said.

"The experience really made her happy," he said.

While the website is under construction, anyone interested in making donations can contact Ayellet Sherman at gali@att.net, 818-515-0436, or Keren Latzer at keren@latzer.net, 818-802-5501.

To become a member of Zoe’s Helping Hands site and receive information such
as updates, help schedule, messages from the family, etc, you can text your e-mail address to 818-669-8162.