Angels for Alexandra plans benefit to aid in fight against juvenile cancer
FARMINGTON – Angels for Alexandra will hold a benefit concert, car and bike show from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Herald-Standard Pavilion at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington. The all-volunteer organization’s goal is to provide financial, emotional and logistical support to children with life-threatening health conditions, primarily juvenile cancers.
The inspiration and namesake of the organization is Alexandra Schaney, a 5-year old girl who suffers from neuroblastoma and its effects.
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that attacks the nervous system and adrenal glands and is diagnosed in less than 600 U. S. children every year.
Schaney is presently undergoing additional treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. She and her family must make frequent trips to New York from her home in Charlotte, N.C. Angels for Alexandra has been instrumental in raising funds, arranging for transportation and providing other assistance in the treatment process. They say they have learned so much in helping Alexandra and wish to share with other suffering children and their families what they have learned about this condition and its treatment.
The benefit concert will feature top regional bands such as Tom Armstrong and ReLucktant Redneck, Crazy Cowboys, Ruff Creek, Happy Ending, Jaggerbush, Kry Up, The Klick and Unbridled. Master of ceremonies is “King Fish.”
Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Alexandra Schaney Cancer Treatment Fund.
There will also be a car and bike show and craft and food vendors. The zoo is offering one price day at a small cost.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming” said Chris Schaney, who is Alexandra’s aunt.
Chris has raised more than $27,000 on her own with the help of friends from small fund-raising events in her community.
The Angels are hoping to sell all 2,500 tickets to the benefit and are recruiting corporate sponsors.
Tickets are availalbe in advance and at the gate. Children under 12 are admitted free. The Woodland Zoo is offering one price day noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.UniontownOnline.com to view the Angels for Alexandra web pages or to purchase tickets online.
The Angels for Alexandra organization is hoping to make this an annual event.