Donations pouring in after jars raising money for a New Bedford girl with cancer were stolen

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

NEW BEDFORD – Things are looking up for the family of a New Bedford girl battling cancer, after locals raised more than $5,000 in the weeks since some of her donation jars were stolen.

An online fundraising page has raised more than $18,350 as of Wednesday night to help with single mom Jessica Jansen’s expenses since her daughter Haylie, 4, was diagnosed with leukemia in January. Her family also set up donation jars at stores in the New Bedford area.

But a few weeks ago, two women stole the donation jars from Mark’s Beverage in New Bedford and Sunrise Bakery in Dartmouth.

“I was upset,” Haylie’s aunt Kimberly Jansen told ABC6 News. “Frustrated…that somebody could do that.”

“It was disgusting,” cousin Melissa Valliere added. “It made us all sick to our stomachs.

After news of the thefts spread, online donations for little Haylie skyrocketed. “This is showing that there are good people out there if people do need help,” Kimberly said.

Dartmouth Police pitched in $400 online Wednesday, as officers continue to investigate the thefts.

One of the women responsible, Veronica Mello, turned herself in. Police say they are still on the hunt for Amelia Early, 24.

Haylie’s family is beyond grateful for the community’s support, who have donated way more than they ever could have imagined. “Honestly, there are no words for it,” said Valliere.

Folks looking to donate can do so online by clicking here, or in-person using the donation jars scattered at stores throughout the community. Haylie’s family is also hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on April 12 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Club Recordacoes De Portugal in New Bedford. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids in advance. At the door, tickets will cost $5 more. For more information, contact Dorothy Jansen at 774-328-8342 or Melissa Valliere at 774-328-2357.

For updated information on Haylie’s prognosis, you can join her Facebook group by clicking here.

© WLNE-TV 2015