NATCHEZ — Friends and family of a 12-year-old Natchez girl with cancer are teaming up to raise money this weekend for her family’s medical and travel expenses.

Markia Sullivan, a sixth-grader at Robert Lewis Magnet School, found out on her birthday in December that she has osteosarcoma following multiple doctor’s appointments and tests.

Markia is active in athletics and school and told her parents about pain in her knee after playing basketball at school.

After the pain worsened, Markia’s parents, Tangela and Marcus Sullivan, took her to a doctor who sent them to the hospital for an MRI. The test revealed a tumor on Markia’s knee.

Temika Davis and Tameka Moore Anderson, who are best friends with Markia’s mother, have been raising money for the family’s medical and travel expenses through various fundraisers for Team Kia, including #TEAMKIA T-shirt and bracelet sales.

Team Kia has been selling tickets to a cookout that begins at 11 a.m. today at Providence Park to sell rib dinners for $10 and chicken dinners for $8.

On Sunday, the team will host a Mardi Gras fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Natchez High School gym.

Area Mardi Gras krewe members will be in costume to entertain those in attendance.

Admission to the fundraiser is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Attendees are asked to bring exact change for admission.

Davis said Team Kia seeks to be a source of support for the Sullivans as they endure what she says she is certain will be cancer-free journey for Markia.

Markia is currently undergoing chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before it is surgically removed, Davis said. Markia will likely receive more chemotherapy following the surgery.

The Sullivans have been transporting Markia to Jackson for treatments. The treatments and the travel have taken a financial toll on the family.

“They are still continuing to work, but they are missing a lot of work traveling for treatments,” Davis said. “We just want to help them, and anyone who can do anything, whether it’s donating or just buying a bracelet or T-shirt, we just want people to get onboard with helping them.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Sullivans can stop by United Mississippi Bank and ask to contribute to the Team Kia Fund.