Fight Like Cat: Young Lubbock girl receives Amtryke amidst brain cancer battle

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Lubbock Monterey AMBUCS is supporting Lubbock 10-year-old Cat Carrasco amid her battle with cancer. The organization presented her with an Amtryke Monday at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center at Texas Tech.

In January, doctors removed a large tumor from the young soccer player’s brain. Now, she has some new wheels to help her move through her next challenge.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but nevertheless we’re truly blessed,” Cat’s dad, Tommy Carrasco, said.

It was an emotional moment for the Carrasco family, as AMBUCS presented Cat with her new Amtryke. The nonprofit raises money so it can give Amtrykes to people of all ages struggling with their mobility, each specially designed to fit the rider.

“Amtrykes wouldn’t exist without AMBUCS. So, it’s really neat to give them away because we know that they are a financial burden for a lot of families, where they wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Pat Sweeten, presidential elect, said. “There’s absolutely no fee that goes with an Amtryke, and as she outgrows her Amtryke we’ll give her a new one.”

“As we take the next step, whatever helps her rehabilitate is always a good thing for us. Not having to pay for the equipment is another is another positive thing for us,” Carrasco said.

All someone needs to get an Amtryke is a therapist who can write the prescription.

Keilie Heinrich is one of Cat’s physical therapists at Trustpoint Rehabilitation Hospital. She says Cat has been practicing on a tryke while at rehab, but now she gets to take one home.

“We’ve been riding it kind of around the gym and around the hospital and outside, and she does fantastic. It’s a great way to strengthen her legs and her core and her arms, and it’s just very enjoyable,” Heinrich said. “I know she has her bike at home that she loves and this is just a safer option right now for her until she can get back to her other bike.”

Heinrich says Cat is an inspiration to all of the kids at the hospital.

After six months of persistent vomiting and headaches, doctors discovered a large tumor in Cat’s brain in January. Since the surgery to remove it, she’s also finished radiation and will start chemotherapy in May. Carrasco says financial donations are appreciated, but that’s not the only kind of support they need right now.

“The prayers, the support, reaching out to us, maybe stopping by, we like to see faces and when Cat sees a face, you know, it makes her smile. So, as long as she’s smiling, we’re smiling,” he said.

As people continue to cheer “Fight Like Cat,” she has more motivation to keep moving. Follow Cat’s journey on the Revolution FC Lubbock Facebook page, and send them a message to purchase a “Fight Like Cat” bracelet or t-shirt.