Community Corner

Caledonia Girls Fundraise for Cancer as Birthday Gifts

Two 12-year-old girls did something rather remarkable for their 12th birthdays: instead of asking for the latest thing, they asked family and friends instead to help them raise money for Relay for Life.

Molly Brown and Reagan McKeown of Caledonia are both students at St. Catherine's Middle School, and they raised $781 for the American Cancer Society after McKeown's dad challenged her to raise $100, according to a story in The Journal Times.

Both girls will attend Relay for Life Friday night at the Racine Zoo and will get to stay overnight for the first time. A regular feature of Relay for Life is that it is an overnight event.

As for why they wanted to get involved in fundraising for cancer instead of unwrapping birthday presents, part of their motivation is that McKeown's grandpa died of throat cancer. But, they both seem to realize the importance of being part of something that's bigger than themselves.

“We have countless birthdays left,” Molly is quoted as saying.

Relay for Life runs from 3 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday at the Racine Zoo, 200 Goold Street. The event is open to the public.


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