On Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes and the SLU Cheer team will hold a car wash outside Southeastern’s University Center, 800 W. University Ave., to support local young dancer Rosalina Rotolo. 

Rosalina is the daughter of former Lionettes coach Caitlin Rotolo, who recently shared information about her daughter’s rare bone cancer and explained that all proceeds go straight to the Rotolo family to support Rosalina’s treatment.

According to Rosalina’s mother, she posted the following message on Facebook about when the family first discovered something was wrong, which led to them finding out she had cancer.

“Our world stopped on March 19th when a doctor told me Rosalina may have cancer. Within three days of taking her in for a swollen calf muscle, we saw four doctors, had an ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, an appointment booked with a specialist and a preliminary diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. We are so appreciative of everyone in the healthcare field who moved so quickly to see us through to a final diagnosis,” Caitlin Rotolo said. 

Rosalina was recently diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive cancer that develops in bones or surrounding tissues. 

Rotolo said the cancer was detected at an early stage, and she is receiving treatment at Our Lady of the Lake – St. Jude Affiliate in Baton Rouge.

“This has been so scary for not only Rosalina, but the three siblings as well,” Rotolo said. “Luckily, we have such an amazing village that stepped in to lift us up.”

SLU Lionettes and the SLU Cheer said the following message under the car wash flyer, spreading the word to come visit.

“We would love for our community to show up big for Rosalina and her family as they begin this fight. Every share, donation, and act of support means more than you know.”

If you cannot attend the car wash, are interested in the other fundraising events going on in the community for Rosalina or if you want to simply donate, visit Sunshine for Rosalina.