WESTPORT — Though primarily known for her devotion in protecting the goal for the Westport girls soccer team, junior Molly Rascoe has another opponent to battle.

She was diagnosed over the summer with Wegener's granulomatosis, a rare disease that affects the respiratory tracts and kidneys.

Molly can't play soccer now.

"I get other views of the field, but I wish I was playing," she said from the sidelines.

She often warms up the new goalie, Allison Sherman, before the games, which helps her feel more a part of the team.

"Most of the time I feel normal, but sometimes I lack energy. I get headaches, probably from my medicine."

EARLY HINTS
The first symptoms surfaced in February during basketball season.

"I didn't have much energy and would sleep as late as 11," Molly said. "This was unusual for me as I usually get up around 7."

But since many teenagers experience fatigue as part of the growing process, it didn't trigger an alarm.

Then, on July 8, Molly really didn't feel well and wound up at Elizabethtown Community Hospital. A test showed her red-blood-cell count was 4.2 (normal is 12), and she needed blood transfusions.



HAPPENED FAST
He mother, Julie, said they were shocked at how fast everything unfolded.

"We were called to immediately come to the ER because Molly's blood work showed she was in kidney failure, and in less than three hours, she was in the Primary Intensive Care Unit at the Fletcher Allen Health Center. It happened so quickly.

"She had a 10-day stay and left with a diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Our biggest thought is that we're going to be positive about this whole thing.

"My original philosophy was that we didn't want visitors," Julie said. "But that soon changed. When four girls from Westport came to the ICU, Molly perked right up. She needed that.

"All we can do is make the best of this. There's always someone else out there that's worse off than you."

According to the Vasculitus Foundation, the disease affects about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 30,000 people.

There is no cure, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can be effective and the disease can be brought into remission.

That can be maintained with medications, close management and regular lab tests.

DIALYSIS
Molly now has dialysis three times a week at the Burlington hospital.

"We are still hoping her kidneys will start working but have started the process in case she needs a kidney transplant," said Julie, who has taken a leave of absence from her teaching position at Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School.

"Hopefully, the flu doesn't hit Westport — wishful thinking! She thrives on having her friends around. We are trying to keep a positive outlook."

Molly does her best to go to school, but has to leave at 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to head to Burlington for dialysis.

Molly's sister, Emily, often accompanies her sister on hospital trips and sometimes keeps their father, Brad, informed electronically.

"Emily didn't want to be far away from her sister," Julie said. "She's very much into what is happening. They text all the time, and then she relays the messages to Brad."

SUPPORT
Brad, who coaches the girls soccer team, said everyone has pulled together for his daughter — from Westport and beyond.

"The support by other communities, schools and athletic directors has been overwhelming from the get-go. It's such a great feeling."

The generosity has included food, ferry passes and monetary donations. The Rascoes even returned after a hospital stay once to find their garden weeded.

"Things like this are so greatly appreciated," Brad said. "Everyone is looking to help. We want to thank the community for all of their well wishes and everything they have done."

They also have admiration for Elizabethtown Community Hospital staff for assessing the situation and all the arrangements they made.

TEAM SUPPORT
But one of the strongest sources of support has been Molly's teammates.

Martha McKinley has grown up friends with Molly and played sports with her for years.

"When I heard about Molly, I was so sad and also scared. It just came out of the blue. I feel when you are on a team, you get a lot closer, especially in basketball. We are all really close to Molly.

"We're always texting when she is not here. I think she's a big asset to our team and a big support to all of us."

"It's been hard to re-adjust to not having Molly," teammate Valentina Rodriquez added. "She's great in helping Allison. I'm so happy to see her sitting on the sidelines and still being a part of our team."

Looking toward the future, Molly said she will miss playing basketball. But, the Rascoes are hoping that in the spring she will be able to play with the golf team.

Through it all, Molly keeps a sense of humor and continues to feel a part of the team.

"I joke around and say I will go out and play. I warm up Allison; I'm a captain. They ask me to come out to join them after they score."

E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com