`Everyone's Treasure' returns to school
By Jennifer McLain Staff Writer

Now that Treasure Dearsaw has undergone three treatments to remove a rare tumor from her tongue, Chelsa Dearsaw is hoping her 7-year-old daughter will have her first normal school year.

Treasure, a quiet girl with a contagious smile, will be a third-grader at Cypress Elementary School in Covina, and her mother thinks the bleeding and flare-ups caused by the lesions will finally subside.

"It will be interesting to see how her grades change," Chelsa Dearsaw said. "It was very hard for her to focus last year. This year, I don't foresee any problems."

But obstacles still remain.

Wednesday, Dearsaw was notified insurance would not cover the remaining treatments, expected to cost nearly $100,000, so it's back to fundraising.

With the help of Cypress Elementary School Principal Adin Rudd, $108,000 was raised for the first four of eight of Treasure's treatments, but there is only enough money left for one more treatment.

Last week, Treasure returned from her most recent procedure, which was performed by Dr. Wayne Yakes of the Vascular Malformation Center in Colorado. The young girl still has up to five more visits to remove the lesions that cause swelling and bleeding on her tongue.

Dearsaw is hopeful that the tumor will be completely removed by January, despite the financial hurdles.

"She is just the sweetest little girl," said jazz instructor Danielle Baca, who teaches Treasure at Impact Dance Academy
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in Azusa. "It just breaks my heart to see her go through this."

For the past year, Treasure has taken jazz classes, and this year she will begin ballet.

Dearsaw said she has already noticed a personality change in Treasure, since the first treatment in June.

Before the treatments, Treasure became withdrawn, preferring to stay close to her mother.

"When she first came back, she was really excited," Baca said. "She came up to me and said, `Look at my tongue. It is going to get better."'

Dearsaw is thankful to Rudd and the community that has supported her daughter.

"They have made a difference, and the difference is right here in front of them," Chelsa said, turning to her daughter. "She's become everyone's Treasure."

To donate, write to Friends of Treasure Dearsaw, 2694 E. Garvey Ave. So., West Covina, CA 91791, or visit www.friendsoftreasure.com.

jennifer.mclain@sgvn.com