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Fundraiser to benefit local girl battling cancer
The proceeds from a benefit at the Greencastle Eagles Lodge Saturday, April 18 will benefit a seven-year-old Greencastle girl battling cancer.
Abryanna Jewell has stage 4 Rhabdomysarcoma (RMS). She woke up about six weeks ago with a stomach ache, according to event coordinator Toni Lukenbill, who is a friend of the family.
The family learned about the tumor that started in her stomach and has since spread.
The American Cancer Society's website, www.cancer.org, explains "Sarcomas are cancers that develop from connective tissues in the body, such as muscles, fat, bones, the linings of joints, or blood vessels. There are many types of sarcomas. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles."
In an effort to offset medical expenses and the cost of travel to and from medical visits, there will be a spaghetti dinner, auction and concert at the Eagles Saturday, starting at 5 p.m. Dinner is expected to be served until 8 p.m. The cost is $7 for spaghetti, salad, Texas toast and desert. Children under the age of 10 can eat free.
Auction items will be available throughout the evening.
"There has been phenomenal support by several companies in Greencastle. Phillips 66 put a jar up without having to be asked and Kroger has donated gift certificates for the raffle," Lukenbill said. "We wouldn't be able to do this without the help of the Eagles. They have given us tremendous support."
Additional gift certificates and items are also needed for the auction and raffle. Lukenbill said she is hoping to find an auctioneer to donate some time during the event.
Lukenbill said an early head count is showing a large turnout, so volunteers and donations are still needed to help raise funds for Jewell. Thin spaghetti noodles and lettuce are needed in order to make sure there is enough food for everyone in attendance. The meat will be provided by Scobee Meats.
"I was planning on about 200 people, but it is going to be even larger than I planned for," Lukenbill said, stressing the overwhelming support by the community. "Even if someone could volunteer an hour of their time to serve spaghetti."
During dinner, dancers from the Dance Workshop in Greencastle will be performing. Lukenbill said some of the Dancing with the Putnam County Stars participants may also perform. At 8 p.m., local band Plead the Fifth will perform.
Lukenbill described Jewell as shy, with a bubbly personality. She has two younger siblings, a brother and sister. She is the daughter of Jody Ash-Query and Britt Jewell. Her grandparents are Darrell Ash and the late Barbara Miles-Means, and Joe and Portia Jewell.
To learn more about donating or volunteering, Lukenbill can be reached at 719-3453.