Independence teen cancer survivor gets help from Supporting Kids Foundation

This photo was taken on Feb. 9, 2012, of 13-year-old Gloria Mengel who has battled cancer and a stroke over the past 3 years.
Photographer: Eric Schultz/KSHB
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Posted: 02/13/2012

By: Mark Clegg

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - A family struggling to help their daughter through a series of devastating medical setbacks received a substantial boost in their efforts to pay down their medical bills.

Thirteen-year old Gloria Mengel has endured several bouts with cancer, blindness and a stroke. Through it all, she continues to show courage and hope.

After hearing Gloria’s story last week , Supporting Kids Foundation stepped forward to help. Her family is hoping to raise $50,000. Supporting Kids Foundation donated 25 percent of that goal.

Gloria’s mom, Tammy Mengel, expressed her gratitude, telling 41 Action News, “Now I can relax a bit and focus on caring for Glo!”

Supporting Kids Foundation started in 2009 when a group of Johnson County dads got together to help a neighbor family whose son was battling bone cancer. Since then, Supporting Kids Foundation has continued to raise money to help other families with children facing cancer.

For more information on Supporting Kids Foundation, visit www.supportingkids.org

To keep up with Gloria Mengel’s story, visit her website at www.indiegogo.com/Glorias-Guardians-hleping-Glo-fight-CANCERS