Agoura fundraiser will help women's soccer pioneer
By John Loesing newstip@theacorn.com

FRIENDS- - Jolly Cochetti, left, and soccer teammate Denise Hoppal share a happy moment together.

Jolly Cochetti, a Simi Valley resident and a pioneer on the U.S. women's soccer scene, is suffering from a brain tumor, and friends and teammates are hosting a garage sale and fundraiser Sat., Nov. 17 in Agoura Hills to help pay for her medical expenses.

The 46yearold Cochetti began playing soccer at 9 years old and was later recruited to play on the first women's national squad, which became the foundation for the U.S. women's World Cup and Olympic programs.

But Cochetti was unable to compete at the national level because she had to help take care of her late mother, who had become ill with cancer.

Today Cochetti faces similar health problems. She was diagnosed with her first tumor in 2001. She went into remission following surgery and chemotherapy, but in July doctors found another tumor.

"I first met (Cochetti) when I had to guard her," said Kelly Westfall of Agoura Hills. "She was on the opposing team, and I could not stop her. She is so talented; so much so that I just gave up and watched her in awe."

Cochetti and Westfall later joined forces and played for KAOS, a Simi Valley club team.

The fundraiser is Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the home of Jeri Heit and Kathy McCusker, two of Cochetti's best friends and teammates from the KAOS program.

Although Cochetti doesn't play soccer anymore, she still tries to attend the games and support her teammates.

Westfall said more than $2,000 already has been raised.

Cochetti is being treated by UCLA tumor specialists, but insurance is only covering a portion of her bills.

"She is on disability from her job as an insurance fraud investigator, cannot play soccer anymore, and needs care 24/7 due to paralysis of her left side," Westfall said.

"Family and friends are the ones she gets her strength from, and we get ours from her sense of humor, compassion and tenacity in life, especially during this huge challenge she has now," she said.

Donations to the garage sale are welcome. For pickup, call Kelly Westfall at (828) 706-3611 or Gail Burlingame at (818) 414-8260.

The sale will take place at 29394 Hillrise Drive in Agoura Hills. Take Kanan Road north, then turn left on Hillrise.