Wrestling community rallies for Pittsburg teen battling cancer

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Volunteers from across Southeast Kansas host a wrestling tournament to support one of their own.

Pittsburg High School wrestler Alyssa Heydenrych was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer after having a stroke.

Due to the stroke, her family says now she has difficulty speaking.

Her wrestling team and family hosted the "Her Fight Is Our Fight" wrestling tournament today at Pittsburg High School, featuring teams from across southeast Kansas.

Adults paid a $5 entry fee, $3 for kids.

Wrestlers paid a $20 fee to compete, and custom "Her Fight Is Our Fight" shirts and bracelets were sold.

Proceeds from all of that go back to Alyssa's family.

The family says the amount of support was overwhelming.

"It's nice to find people support me," said Alyssa Heydenrych, Pittsburg High School wrestler.

"We live in a great community. We have a great support system here. But it's just to see the amount of support is just overwhelming," said Tina Heydenrych, Alyssa's mom.

"As soon as we knew that Alyssa was going through this battle, we knew we were going to be battling with her. She's family. She's part of our team. Not only our team, our family. So her fight is our fight. And that's been our motto since we've heard about this," said LC Davis, Pittsburg wrestling coach.

Coach Davis says, along with the financial support, he hopes this shines a light on the battles many are facing, and how the community can help.