(Chelsea Update would like to thank Allen Wright for the photos and information in this story.)
It’s always been said that the City of Chelsea takes care of Chelsea.
And at the Jet’s Pizza Monday night that was proven as the restaurant offered 10 percent of its sales to 15-year-old Lindsey Atkinson.
Atkinson was diagnosed in April with osteosarcoma, a very rare bone cancer, which affects only 20,000 people in the USA a year and is most prevalent in children and young adults. And Jet’s was packed wall to wall with people lined up outside waiting to get in to show their support for this amazing young lady.
The Beach Middle School and Chelsea High School cheer teams lined up in front of the restaurant doing cheers and holding signs in support of their fellow teammate, trying to get as many people as they could to stop in.
Atkinson sat in a wheelchair in a corner of the restaurant near her family and friends with her left leg up in a cast and was greeted warmly all evening by all kinds of supporters giving her hugs and offering well wishes. She has been going through many bouts of chemotherapy and has had many drains in her leg. She was noticeably tired from the horrific ordeal she has bravely endured but she wore a big, beautiful smile all evening.
The Jet’s wait staff was kept very busy with all the food and drink orders coming in but there were no signs of any letdown as they warmly greeted everyone and although very busy, made sure everything was just perfect for the customers. As soon as one person got up it seemed two more would sit down. But it was all for a great cause. And it was great of Jet’s to step to the plate.
Atkinson is not out of the woods yet as she has more chemo scheduled on July 20. Although she doesn’t like it and it makes her sick and irritable, she understands it has to be done and she doesn’t complain. Her eyes may appear tired but she has “vowed to never give up and will fight this ordeal and win,” she says.
“That’s my girl and I’d do and give anything to switch places with her,” Lindsey’s father, Brian, said. “You hate to see any kid suffer but especially your own. It’s so hard. But we know things will work out for her.”
As well as the 10 percent Jets was donating, there were bowls for people to donate. Kids were putting in saved up change and others contributed much, much more. Even after the festivities ended, there were still people coming in to donate.
“I am overwhelmed by the turnout,” Lindsey said as she tried not to be emotional. “I can’t thank people enough for all their help. This is why I love Chelsea so much.”
Chelsea takes care of Chelsea. And Monday night, they took care of Lindsey Atkinson.
Chelsea is the most caring and giving town there is. One of the main reason we moved here.