Cancer Survivor, 10, Plays Alongside Stars In 'Playing For Keeps'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 10-year-old cancer survivor from Southern California plays alongside Hollywood heartthrob Gerard Butler in a new romantic comedy flick.
Abella Wyss, who left the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles on Monday after battling cancer for seven years, has a role in "Playing for Keeps", which stars Butler as a former soccer player turned coach.
The vibrant young girl said the movie has some parallels with her life, from her love of soccer to the loss of a sibling.
Abella's 4-year-old brother, Hudson, died from a rare brain tumor in 2008.
Abella was later tested and diagnosed with brain tumors and tumors in her lungs.
"Every diagnosis is a new challenge presented. Abella is strong and has been through this physically and emotionally," said her mother, Jamie.
Oliver, Abella's father, was a former soccer player who battled his own cancer scare.
He started the non-profit organization Soccer for Hope to help children with life-threatening diseases.
"Our goal in life was always to help. I think, obviously, we weren't going to help without having children diagnosed," said Oliver.
Soccer for Hope has raised more than $2 million over the years for pediatric cancer and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
