For Community News Service, a VTSU-Castleton internship, for Rutland Herald
Zamara Austin just turned 2 on Dec. 16, 2023, right before she was admitted to the hospital and later diagnosed on Dec. 27 with stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma cancer.
“Z is a silly, happy, goofy little baby,” Zamara’s mother, Danielle Jankowski, said. “She suffered for almost 14 months of her life and, unfortunately, passed away January 25, 2024.”
According to Jankowski, pediatric cancer only gets 4% of research funding, a percentage she said she feels is unfair.
“The chemo they get honestly kills them a lot more,” she said. “It gives them lifelong effects, and they really deserve a lot more of a fighting chance in life and for a future.”
After holding the Last Ride memorial tribute parade for Zamara in 2024, organized by the Pittsford Fire Department in Pittsford and currently at CureFest in Washington, D.C., where several organizations that support advocacy in fundraising for pediatric cancer get together to collaborate, Jankowski has continued raising funds and awareness for petriadic cancer research locally. In addition to volunteering at the American Cancer Society and participating in Relay for Life, Jankowski recently partnered with ACS and local emergency personnel to host a “Fill the Boot” coin drop on Merchants Row in Rutland.
“As far as in Rutland County, her voice is definitely a strong one,” said Nicole Jorgensen, senior manager at the American Cancer Society.
Acting Patrol Sergeant Sean Maguire, of the Rutland Police Department, said his life has been affected by cancer, not only by being a cancer survivor himself but also by seeing what his friends and family have gone through.
“It has really touched my heart and soul, and having the opportunity to be able to go out there and ultimately help a family down the road somewhere else — I just have a lot of faith in the fact that I need to be part of something like that.”
Maguire, a three-time cancer survivor, will be supporting the coin drop, as will many other first responders from the area.
Jankowski said Zamara’s story is why she does so much advocacy work and stepped into the healthcare field herself as a certified clinical medical assistant. She said she is working toward becoming a pediatric oncology nurse, as well as serving as a foster parent in Vermont.
She said she is determined to do everything she can to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. She said she feels it doesn’t get enough funding or benefit from the spotlight that other cancers get.
“I mean, breast cancer and other kinds of adult cancers have been brought to light. Pediatric Cancer should have happened a long time ago; that’s why I’m trying to bring it to light now,” Jankowski said
Jorgensen said Jankowski came to her about doing the coin drop, and said she is behind the scenes playing an administrative role.
“She has put all this together, and she’s got support from the police and fire departments and really just looking to help raise awareness,” Jorgensen said.
Maguire said the event isn’t just about money and donations; it’s about spreading the word about causes that will help support families across the county.
Jorgensen said Jankowski is also now working with their ACS Cancer Action Network, an advocacy arm of the ACS that works directly with their legislators. Helping her get training, information, and resources will allow her to specifically go to ACS lawmakers to make a difference, as well as get voters behind supporting pediatric cancer research.
“Basically, we are supporting her to share her story and connect her with as many people as possible,” Jorgensen said.
Members of the public are invited to drive by Saturday to meet first responders, drop donations into the boot and learn more about Jankowski’s efforts.
“I’m just thankful that we have a community that is helping to support this cause,” Maguire said. “I’m really glad we are part of this and can continue moving it in a direction to help cancer in itself; for me personally it means a lot, so the benefit at the end of the day is going to be just amazing.”