2008 Woodie Awards
$4,700 raised at fundraiser
Teen plans to use money for dream trip to Alaska
By: Edward Schutter
Issue date: 1/16/08 Section: News
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The Mount Pleasant High School junior - diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer - received $4,700 Monday night at a fundraiser hosted by CMU's Pre-Physical Therapy Club.
Hannah said she will use the donations to purchase a trip to Alaska for her family.
"It feels really good to get support like this," Hannah said. "If people stay positive, they can accomplish anything."
Hannah, 16, was diagnosed in April 2006 with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue. She went into remission for seven months, and following, she was administered chemotherapy. She is attending school, as well as receiving treatment at the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital.
More than 280 people attended the spaghetti dinner fundraiser, which also included a silent auction, raffle and a jazz band.
Sally Engler, a graduate assistant who helped organize the event, talked about how easy it was to want to do something for such a good person.
"She is very energetic and outgoing," Engler said. "She likes to BMX bike, and she recently went on a ski trip. She's a sweetheart."
Lexington sophomore Cory Allen, jazz band member, said the band came out to play the event for Hannah. He said it is important for the community members to help out when they can.
"I think it's great that Mount Pleasant can be supportive of everyday citizens," he said.
Hannah's friends, family, volunteers and several people who did not know her showed up. Several of Hannah's classmates also attended the event. Mount Pleasant High School senior Kyle Quinn came out to support Hannah and her family.
"I know Hannah through her brother. She is adorable," Quinn said. "She is good-spirited and a pleasure to be around."
Mount Pleasant High School junior Jenna Jakeway said she was happy to see so many people attend the fundraiser.
"It's always good to support someone, even if you don't know it helps," Jakeway said. "Hannah is outgoing and always looks to have fun."
Rochester Hills graduate student Lisa Giusty was one of the volunteers who were happy to see the fundraiser do so well.
"It's refreshing to see people making extra donations on top of the $6 they paid for the dinner," Giusty said. "It's nice to know that we can all help out and make a difference."
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