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Health: Little Girl Fighting Cancer Gets Role In New Movie


By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A new movie opening today will feature a little girl who's battled a horrific cancer that's run through her family.

The movie "Playing For Keeps" stars Gerard Butler, as a soccer player turned coach. It parallels the life of a little girl who has a role in the flick.

10-year-old Abella Wyss is excited to finally be going home cancer free, after living in a hospital for more than seven years.

"I feel good cause I'm getting out," said Abella.

And Abella has a role in the new movie "Playing For Keeps" starring Gerard Butler, who became a pal on the set.

"He'd scoop us up. He'd give us hugs," said Abella.

The movie parallels with her real life, from her love of soccer to the loss of a sibling. Abella's brother Hudson died when he was 4-years-old from a rare brain tumor. Abella was diagnosed with the same thing when she was four.

"Every diagnosis is a new, um, ya know, challenges presented for all itself. And, ya know, Abella is strong and has been through this physically and emotionally," said Jamie Wyss, her mother.

The family has a long history of battling medical issues. Dad, Oliver Wyss, had a rare blood disorder. He was also a former soccer player turned coach. He started the non-profit, Soccer For Hope, to help children with life threatening diseases, not knowing his two kids would soon become patients.

"Our goal always in life was to help. And I think obviously we were going to help without having children diagnosed," said Oliver.

The family is hoping the movie will help raise awareness, as Abella gets to have her shining moment in the spotlight.

"Good things can still happen to you," said Abella.

Abella's family charity Soccer for Hope has raised more than two million dollars for pediatric cancer.

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