Moniteau volleyball’s Annabella Cornelius was diagnosed with brain cancer. Rival schools have rallied around her
CHERRY TWP — Annabella Cornelius arrived at Moniteau Jr./Sr. High School for Saturday’s volleyball clash with Karns City in street clothes.
A member of the Warriors’ junior varsity squad, she wanted to be in uniform and take the court with her teammates.
Less than a month ago, that would not have been in question. But on Aug. 28, the freshman and Marion Township resident was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She began radiation treatments earlier this month.
“I especially miss playing sports,” she said. “Last year was my first playing volleyball and I really liked it. That’s why I came out again this season.
“The radiation makes me nauseous, but I have medicine to help with that. And I’m sleeping a lot now.”
Annabella, 14, is scheduled to receive radiation at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh five days each week for six weeks. While her parents, Josh and Amy Cornelius, are rightfully focused on the health of their daughter, travel costs and medical bills will mount. Many people, some known to the Cornelius family and some not, have stepped up to show their support.
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Moniteau freshman Annabella Cornelius, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, receives support by both Karns City and Moniteau fans at a girls volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Moniteau freshman Annabella Cornelius, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, receives support by both Karns City and Moniteau at girls volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Players from both Karns City and Moniteau wear shirts in support of Moniteau freshman Annabella Cornelius during warmups before the junior varsity volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Players from both Karns City and Moniteau wear shirts in support of Moniteau freshman Annabella Cornelius during warmups before the junior varsity volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Players from both Karns City and Moniteau wear shirts in support of Moniteau freshman Annabella Cornelius during warmups before the junior varsity volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Players from both Karns City and Moniteau wear shirts in support of Annabella Cornelius as players warmed up before the junior varsity volleyball game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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A basket raffle was held to help raise money for the Cornelius family as Annabella Cornelius battles cancer during a Karns City vs. Moniteau girls volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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A basket raffle is held to help raise money for the Cornelius family as their daughter Annabella Cornelius battles cancer during a Karns City vs. Moniteau girls volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Attendees participate in a basket raffle to help raise money for the Cornelius family during a Karns City vs. Moniteau girls volleyball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Moniteau High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
A GoFundMe account was recently created by Annabella’s cousin, Leigha Metcalf, of Harrisville, and has received over $17,600 in donations as of Tuesday. A T-shirt sale, basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing were all held at Saturday’s volleyball game, with proceeds to be given to the Cornelius family. Emily Matz tallied a game-high 10 kills in Moniteau’s 3-0 varsity sweep of Karns City.
The message on the T-shirts reads: “Her fight is our fight, #ABSARMY.”
Karns City, Slippery Rock, North Clarion and DuBois Central Catholic are among schools that have made donations.
“There’s a lot of wonderful people in the surrounding communities,” Josh said. “There’s a lot of people out there who care.”
Slippery Rock Area High School’s volleyball program has organized multiple fundraising efforts and contributed a care package with several gas cards.
“Volleyball is a tight-knit community and we are committed to supporting those who share our passion,” Slippery Rock head coach Brandon Ferrier said in an email.
Amanda Taylor, of Chicora, bought tickets for the basket raffle.
“I don’t know the family, but it’s tragic what they’re going through,” she said. “No kid should have to worry about cancer.”
In mid-August, Annabella began experiencing headaches, dizziness and blurred vision.
“It started in volleyball practice,” Annabella said. “I thought it was because I didn’t eat enough that day and tried not to worry about it.”
The symptoms persisted. “I was hoping it was vertigo,” Amy said, but the family soon learned the truth.
“When the doctor told us what it was, the feeling was indescribable,” Amy Cornelius said. “Unless you’ve been through it, I’m not sure how to put it into words.”
Annabella showed her athletic ability from an early age. She participated in dance, competitive cheer and began playing softball when she was 7.
“We knew she was very talented and begged her to join the junior high volleyball team,” Moniteau varsity head coach Kaitlyn Loos said. “She ended up coming out last year. She’s a kid that just goes with the flow and always gives it her all.”
Aside from playing sports, Annabella is “a typical teenage girl,” Amy said. “She likes getting on TikTok and just hanging out with her friends.”
With her frequent trips to Pittsburgh, Annabella is not currently able to attend school.
“That’s been bugging her,” Amy said. “Her teachers are sending homework packets to our house.”
Since her diagnosis, Annabella has enjoyed watching her brothers, Alex and Jonah, play football, and seeing her boyfriend, Cooper Miller, of East Brady, race his dirt bike.
Annabella’s personality continues to make those around her smile.
“She is so bubbly and lights up a room,” Josh Cornelius said. “She’s a happy kid. Maybe she’s hiding some emotions, but she’s been amazing.
“Describing Annabella does not do her justice. You have to meet her.”
Her parents’ thoughts recently are not about Annabella’s future as they navigate her treatment.
“Day by day. That’s the only way we can do it,” her mother said. “We have to get through this for her.”
