Sophie support
<p>Post Falls 3 year old Sophie Medlock was diagnosed with cancer just after she turned 2. The 27th annual Shalena's Breakfast with Santa fundraiser in Hauser on Sunday will help the Medlocks with cancer related costs.</p>
The list of "Sophie supporters" is about to grow.
Sophie Medlock, a Post Falls 3-year-old who was diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago, will be the beneficiary of Sunday's 27th annual Shalena's Breakfast with Santa fundraiser at the Hauser Lake Fire Station from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"We're overwhelmed with the support from the community," said Nicole Medlock, Sophie's mother.
The popular fundraiser for local youth with cancer is named after Hauser Lake Fire Capt. Gary Mobbs' daughter Shalena, who lost her battle with cancer.
Sophie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) shortly after she turned 2.
"She's doing well and is in her last eight months of (chemotherapy) treatment," Nicole said.
The girl has had a decrease of sensation in her feet, but has started pool physical therapy to help.
"That's been our biggest setback recently," Nicole said. "She can't get back into gymnastics until that goes away."
Nicole recently went to work for Direct Radiology to help keep up with costs associated with Sophie's cancer. Jake Medlock, Nicole's husband and Sophie's father, is a salesman for Bausch and Lomb.
The family has insurance, but faces mounting bills ranging from transportation to co-payments.
"We've been able to keep up thanks to last year's benefits, but we've exhausted all of that," Nicole said. "That's why I've gone back to work."
The Medlocks are a fourth-generation Post Falls family. Nicole graduated from Post Falls High in 1993 and Jake in 1996. Sophie is the couple's only child.
Nicole said to be selected as the family to benefit from this year's breakfast fundraiser is a blessing. She attended the event last year and plans to do so again this year.
"It was emotional to stand in the line and see how many people support the cause," Nicole said. "For it to be us this year will make it even more emotional. We're so lucky to live here."
If you go
The fundraiser at the Hauser Lake Fire Station, 10728 N. Hauser Lake Road, will be held on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The suggested donation is $3 per person or $10 per family. The breakfast includes sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, coffee and juice. The fire auxiliary will hold raffles for $1 per ticket.