9-year-old cancer survivor inspires team 'Allie Gator'

by MICHELLE BOUDIN / NBC Charlotte

Bio | Email | Follow: @MichelleBoudin

WCNC.com

Posted on July 25, 2013 at 7:16 PM

Updated today at 7:21 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- More than 1,200 riders will hit the course for the annual 24 Hours of Booty cancer fundraiser this weekend in south Charlotte.

Among them: team Allie Gator.

NBC Charlotte first introduced you to the Sadoff family last year, not long after then 8-year-old Allie was diagnosed.? She was fighting cancer, didn't have a ton of energy and had lost her hair.

Her family formed team Allie Gator.

?I think I'd always called her Allie gator,? her grandfather, John, explained.

They were riding together in the 24 Hours of Booty -- the Charlotte-based cancer fundraiser where teams cycle the booty loop for 24 hours every July.

?As a mom, I felt like I took so much for granted before all this happened,? Pam Sadoff said.

Photos from last year show a smiling Allie, despite the beating her little body was taking.

?It was a lot to go through.? Nine months worth of chemo and radiation and to see her doing so well.? You know, you count every day as a blessing, as a present.? That's because that's what it is," Pam said.

Allie's tumor has shrunk to just a scar.? Her hair -- and her strength -- are coming back.? The team is getting ready to ride again and their leader is confident she'll do more laps this time around.

?I guess she can ride a lot more than she did last year,? older brother Jay said.

She'll be easy to spot -- she'll be the one with the crazy helmet.

?You know, that fits Allie like a T.? It?s crazy as can be and that?s Allie,? said her mother.

Allie will help kick off the 24 hour ride with the rest of the cancer survivors Friday night.

?It will be full circle.? A lap that?s pretty much completed.? It will be wonderful to see her curls peeking out from her helmet,? Pam said.

Allie still has to get an MRI every three months to make sure her tumor doesn't return.

The 24 Hours of Booty has raised more than $7 million since it began in 2002.

Source: http://www.wcnc.com/news/9-year-old-cancer-survivor-returns-for-24-Hours-of-Booty-217024861.html

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