Cancer Fundraiser for 18-year-old with rare form of cancer

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MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WLNE): A fundraiser was held on Sunday for a talented and multi-awarded Portsmouth teenager with a rare form of cancer. 

Carrigan Nelson, 18, spent much of her young life helping and mentoring kids and teenagers focusing her efforts in Newport’s North End Community. 

Nelson had been there for a friend battling cancer, not knowing she would soon face a similar battle. Hannah Walters, 15, was diagnosed with Leukemia and passed away over a year ago. Nelson and her mother coordinated several fundraisers for Walters and her family.

In March 2019, Nelson was also diagnosed with cancer. She has a rare aggressive bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. She has been undergoing operations, chemotherapy, and long hospital stays. 

The Portsmouth/Tiverton Rotary Club sponsored the fundraiser at the Atlantic Resort to help with medical costs. 

Former ABC6 news anchor Dave Layman and former sports director Ken Bell served as emcees. 

Named miss congeniality for Miss Teen USA, Nelson’s positive attitude has inspired everyone she meets on this difficult journey. 

Despite battling pneumonia, Nelson still appeared a the fundraiser. 

If you would like to encourage Carrigan, the Nelson family has a GoFundMe page. 

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019