McKenna is a 12 year old girl who used to be a student of mine who has leukemia. She was first diagnosed when she was 9 and went through treatment that made her miss school for a time. Her cancer went into remission and she was able to attend some of 4th grade and 5th through 6th grades. In fourth, she wore a hat every day, but by 5th grade her hair had grown back curly and sandy blonde. She told me that it used to be straight and darker.
Now that she is in 7th grade, the leukemia has returned.
She is one of the cutest and sweetest children I have known, and I have known a lot of children.
Her family and friends have set up a web site (the link at the top of this post) to help raise money to cover the cost of treatment and as a support for her as she goes through this yet again. They are hosting a fundraiser 5K that will happen next weekend. It is a run/walk/bike version. I am glad, because I plan to bike it. I am not in good enough shape to put in a respectable showing on my feet.
If you are interested in joining us in getting some exercise for a very good cause, click on the link to register. If you live too far away to participate, but would still like to donate to help MaKenna, that is also an option on the web site.
I am not very interested in giving away money, even to good causes. I am not a good person that way. Most of the time I feel like my money will never actually benefit anyone and will just be used for more advertisements or bureaucracy. I guess I need a personal connection in order to feel the money is going to a good use. I know McKenna and I know it must be super difficult to face this again.
I plan to be there next weekend. In fact, we're making it a family outing. I'll let you know how it goes.
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