By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Buff girls soccer raises $13K to help 7th grader battling cancer
cure for cancer
Members of the Manteca High girls’ varsity soccer team presents a check to local youngster Shannon Perez, who recently completed cancer treatments. The seventh grader at Neil Hafley Elementary School received the generous donation along with her mother, Marie Perez, on Monday. The team and coaches were joined also by Principal Megan Peterson and AD / Vice Principal Nel MacDannald

Shannon Perez has a rare type of cancer for a person her age.

She’s a seventh-grade student at Neil Hafley Elementary School, and currently involved in the Leadership program.

Perez, 13, is in recovery after undergoing three cycles of chemotherapy. Earlier this school year, she was diagnosed with a malignant germ cell tumor in her right ovary, and was at Kaiser Permanente Roseville’s pediatric specialty surgery center for surgery and treatments.

“The treatments are over – she’s still in recovery,” said Shannon’s mother, Marie Perez.

On Monday, she received a generous donation of $13,737 from the Manteca High girls’ soccer program coached by Justin Coenenberg. A few months ago, his team hosted the annual Kicking for A Cure game against Lathrop High. All of the proceeds went to Perez and her family.

“We are more than thrilled,” said Marie Perez, who added that her daughter was asked to be part of a study conducted by the University of Minnesota due to uniqueness of this type cancer to a person of Shannon’s age.

MHS raised over $13,000 at the Kick of a Cure game – the event also featured a raffle and silent auction of gift cards, items, experiences, and food / beverages, to name a few.

Since 2011, Coenenberg and his Lady Buffaloes have raised a total of $146,737 for Kicking for A Cure, which also brings local awareness and hope to the fight against cancer while also supporting those in the area.

They’ve fundraised to help others such as Mason Ferrulli (2022), Miles Lima (2020), MHS teacher Amy Gross (2019), Emma Lockwood (2018), Amiya Lopez (2017), Isaac Flores (2016), Destiny Herrera (2015), and Noah Valdez (2014).