Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Never before has this statement so accurately depicted the Basking Ridge community as they assist Ridge High School student Molly Perdek ’17 through her fight against hydrocephalus.
Molly Perdek has been an active member of the Basking Ridge community, attending Cedar Hill Elementary School (where her mother teaches), William Annin Middle School, and now Ridge High School with her brother, Andrew Perdek ‘15. Molly was born prematurely, weighing slightly more than a pound, and lacked the ability to drain fluids from her brain due to pregnancy complications, resulting in the condition of hydrocephalus.
Doctors implanted a cerebral shunt, which goes from the skull to the stomach, to allow Molly to live without complications. However, when Molly was in middle school the shunt snapped, causing her immense pain that could only be relieved through countless emergency surgeries, procedures, tests, and more than 15 shunt replacements. Molly has had numerous hospital visits in the last year, and at the end of January she had another surgery to once again attempt to fix this life-threatening complication.
When confined to the dreary and depressing atmosphere of the hospital, it is usually difficult to remain optimistic. Nevertheless, Molly has an extraordinarily encouraging and understanding support group to keep her spirits lifted. Molly’s mother stays with her in the hospital almost every night, leaving only to go teach at Cedar Hill, and then returning back to the hospital right after school.
Also, the community, specifically the Basking Ridge Moms, has put together numerous outreaches to assist the Perdeks by making them dinners and contributing donations to relieve them of their medical expenses. The “Make a Wish” foundation has granted Molly her wish of going to Hawaii with her family as soon as she is well and able.
Another form of support for Molly has been The Ellen DeGeneres show, one of Molly’s favorite TV shows, which entertains her while she remains in the hospital. To keep Molly’s spirits up and simultaneously spread awareness of hydrocephalus, Molly’s friends have created the Facebook Page and Twitter handle “Get Molly 2 Ellen” to capture Ellen’s attention and get Molly on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Molly’s friends created the Facebook page on January 21st, 2015 and it already has over 3,000 likes. The Twitter account has over 650 followers including celebrities such as Eric West and rapper Ty Hickson; on January 22nd, the hashtag #getmolly2ellen was the number one trend in the United States.
Molly hopes to not only meet Ellen, but to also spread awareness of her rare condition. Molly is currently in touch with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, along with the National Hydrocephalus Association, and with such secure support behind her, she hopes to raise money and awareness for this noble cause.
Molly’s courage and strength have turned her into a poster child for this campaign, inspiring others suffering with this condition to persevere by sharing her story with the world. In regards to the endless support, Molly humbly states, “Just reading the beautiful things that people write and also seeing the community come together like this gives me hope in the love of the world again.”
Molly Perdek, thank you for sharing your inspiring story, and thank you to the Basking Ridge community for dedicating its love and support to this cause. Let us all support Molly in her fight and show the world the power of a community. As Ellen would say, “be good to one another,” because at the end of the day, we have the chance to change someone’s world by stepping out of our comfort zone and doing the impossible.
Nikita K • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Don’t know her personally but this is an inspirational story and an amazing idea and I am hoping that Molly will get to Ellen! I’m in the Facebook group and I think it is a sweet thing for her.
Joey Sabel • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:39 pm
This goal of getting Molly on the Ellen Show reminds me of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We are getting a serious disease noticed and we are trying to help cure these tough diseases. Her story should be seen world wide and others with a cerebral shunt should tell their story too. I wish her the best of luck and hope she gets well soon.
Andrew Perdek • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:33 pm
As Molly’s brother and having seen her at her highs and lows throughout these surgeries, nothing has brought a bigger smile to her face then having the support of her friends and family here at Ridge.
Sonia • Feb 27, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Molly’s story is very incredible and shocking. It’s amazing what she is going through and is inspiring. I wish her the best in her recovery and hope for the greatest!
Humzah Ahmed • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Molly is in my grade and has been a really nice person. She helped me with my English Project a while ago. She certainly deserves to be on the Ellen Show.! I hope she gets a chance to go on the Ellen Show.
Marla Adams • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:30 pm
I think there should be a lot more support for people in the community who have medical issues, I think they often go unnoticed, however, if Molly gets to Eleen, which would be wonderful, I think this could set the stage for more support.
Sonia S • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:27 pm
this was very inspirational!
Andrea • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Very inspirational! I hope she goes to the Ellen show!
Chandni • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:57 am
Personally, I don’t know Molly, but her story sounds incredible. She has been through so much and deserves to go Ellen. #GetMolly2Ellen
Joy • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:54 am
Aww I hope she can get to Ellen. This article is very informative and touching. I hope she can spread the type of strength and bravery she has shown.
Brooke Evans • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:36 am
I think this is a great thing that the town is doing! Molly really deserves it and I’m so happy that it is trending so much! I was super happy when it was trending #1 on Twitter! I hope she gets it!!!
Sophia • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:18 am
So proud of her for all her strength! Just an inspiration to all!
Kayla • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:15 am
I don’t know Molly personally but she I think she is such an inspiration. I hope she gets to the Ellen show!