Principal a true pal

For one Covina girl, the "pal" in principal has just developed new significance.

When Charly Dale, 11, was diagnosed with a hemangiopericytoma, a rare form of cancer in July 2006, her family knew she needed the best treatment possible.

The problem was that their insurance provider, Kaiser Permanente, wouldn't pay for them to visit doctors who specialized in her form of cancer at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

That's where Adin "Trippy" Rudd, principal at Cypress Elementary School, stepped in.

After hearing of the former Cypress Elementary School student's need, Rudd spearheaded a series of fundraisers in order to help the Dale family with the costs incurred by the neccessary trip to Texas.

He also created www.friendsofcharly.com, a Web site dedicated to raising money and awareness for Charly.

"I did it because they needed the help, and I happen to be fortunate enough to know lots of people that have the resources to provide additional assistance," Rudd said.

Charly's form of cancer, called hemangiopericytoma, is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that originates in the connective tissue in the walls of capillaries.

It's so rare that there have been less than 30 cases diagnosed in the U.S.

Twenty-nine have been treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1979 and 1999.

On Aug. 10, 2006, not even a month after her diagnosis, Charly underwent surgery to remove a tumor in her leg.

Shortly after, the cancer moved to her lungs.

The Dale family scheduled an appointment for July 23 at the renowned center in Houston.

On July 14, Rudd organized the first fundraiser, a rummage sale that brought in a little over $2,000.

"I think Mr. Rudd is just awesome," Charly's mom, Karynann Dale, said. "He's been just wonderful in everything he's done. He's been there when I've fallen apart and needed somebody to go yell at. He's been wonderful."

Chelsa Dearsaw, who previously didn't know Charly, hosted the fundraiser at her home.

Rudd was also instrumental in helping raise enough money for Dearsaw's daughter, Treasure, to receive a surgery to treat a lesion inside her tongue.

"When Mr. Rudd came to me I didn't hesitate. What people did for treasure was amazing," Dearsaw said. "There wasn't even a question, I just jumped right in. If Mr. Rudd's behind you and helping you, you must be good people. So I just jumped right in and began helping."

After consulting doctors at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Karynann Dale says they've received solid advice to ensure Charly's recovery.

Since then, Rudd has organized other fundraising events, including a carwash and benefit concerts. So far about $3,500 has been raised.

An avid racecar fan, Charly has even won her way into the hearts of a few drivers at the Irwindale Speedway.

"Several drivers have printed decals of her Web address and put them on their cars," Karynann Dale said. "All of the drivers have been wonderful to her. She loves it down there, and it's her favorite place to go."

On Aug. 2, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor in her left lung, and now Charly has started a new chemotherapy treatment.

In the next few weeks she'll have surgery on her right lung, and then fly back to Houston for a follow-up appointment.

"Charly's a wonderful girl, happy and bouncy all the time," Karynann Dale said. "The light of her life is her dog, Rainie."

She has also started attending Traweek Middle School in Covina.

"Through this kind of thing you really find out who your friends are when people who don't even know you are willing to help," Karynann Dale said. "It's nice to know that the community can pull together for that."

To help visit www.friendsofcharly.com

daniel.fritz@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2201