Fund-raising show to raise funds for 5-year-old cancer victim
The Fayette County community is coming together once again to help a 5-year-old cancer sufferer when Angels for Alexandra presents a classic car and motorcycle show at the Woodland Zoo’s Herald-Standard Pavilion on Sunday beginning at noon. “People have been wonderful to my niece,’ said Christine Schaney, of Uniontown, who’s organizing the benefit for Alexandra Schaney. “…God willing, she’ll be there on Oct. 2. And it’s not going to rain. It’s going to be a beautiful fall day – not too hot, not too cold.’
Schaney maintains an optimistic attitude as she and others work hard to raise funds for Alexandra, the only child of Fayette County native Clint Schaney and his wife, Kelly, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who moved from South Union Township to North Carolina in 2000.
Clinton Schaney, a 1984 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, is employed as a master technician for Volvo. Mrs. Schaney is a nurse but has only been working one day a month since her daughter became ill.
According to the Angels for Alexandra Web site: In April 2004, Alexandra was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting less than 600 children nationwide each year. This cancer affects the sensitive nervous system and/or the Adrenal Glands. Alexandra is undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. She and her parents have made several extended stays in New York during her treatments.
Christine Schaney said, “She’s undergoing an intense treatment called immunotherapy. It’s very aggressive, very painful. But she is responding well to the treatment.’
Schaney also spoke highly of the staff at Sloan Kettering: “They are wonderful. The nurses help the kids learn everything about the disease.’
Since word of Alexandra’s condition reached Fayette County, the community has been offering help.
Angels for Alexandra formed, raising funds, arranging transportation and providing other assistance in the treatment process.
In the past year, the organization has raised $27,000 for Alexandra’s treatment by selling candles, Tupperware, sterling silver as well as other fundraisers. Help is coming from family members, including Alexandra’s grandmother, Donna Schaney of Uniontown, and Christine Schaney’s fianc?, Bill Humberson. Individuals, groups and businesses are all offering support to the organization, including offering assistance for Sunday’s car and motorcycle show. The Woodland Zoo’s Herald-Standard Pavilion is located on Route 40 in Wharton Township, about 10 miles east of Uniontown near Fort Necessity.
“Fayette County is awesome. I don’t ever want to leave here. I get upset if I hear anyone say something bad about Fayette County,’ said Christine Schaney.
The car and motorcycle show is a step up in fundraising for the organization and Schaney noted, “This is bigger than I ever imagined.’
She said the show, which has many corporate sponsors from the local area and beyond, will include classes for stock, modified, chopper, open class and trikes, and foreign vehicles. Awards will be given to first, second and third places per class, spectator’s choice and there will be a drawing for an overnight stay at Nemacolin Woodlands. The first 50 bikes will receive a dash plaque.
A number of bands are playing, including Tom Armstrong and ReLucKtanT Rednecks, Crazy Cowboys, Ruff Creek, Jaggerbush, Happy Endings, Kry Up, The Klick and Unbridled. King Fish will be master of ceremonies. There will be games for children as well and vendors selling different items will be present.
Advance tickets are available as well as at the gate and children under 12 are admitted free. Woodland Zoo is separate and admission to the zoo will be reduced for the day.
Schaney has high hopes for the day: “We’re hoping to make in one day what took us a year and four months. But it takes a lot of planning and a lot of volunteers.’
Always in their minds is Alexandra.
“She’s a very happy child, very courageous. Her eyes sparkle all the time,’ said Schaney. “She’s very inquisitive and she loves to help people.’
In fact, Schaney noted, “We’re starting a foundation to help other children as soon as she gets better and she wants to help.’
The organization will be called Butterflies of Hope, named by Alexandra. They plan to offer support to children throughout the country, including sharing information and providing help to families who have to travel for medical care and to entities, such as the Ronald McDonald Houses, that assist families of sick children.
But in the near future, Angels for Alexandra is planning a cookbook and is busy with the car and motorcycle show, during which Alexandra is expected to make an appearance.
It’s all made possible through the generosity of Fayette County residents.
Christine Schaney said, “They’ve taken Alexandra into their hearts. People in this area truly care.’
For more information, check the Web site at www.angelsforalexandra.com
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