COAL TOWNSHIP - Twelve-year-old Cheyanne Greager just might have the magic touch.
At least, that's what people have been telling her when they find out she raised more than $7,000 in 12 days for the 2011 Shamokin Area Relay for Life.
"I'm really excited about this and happy we raised the money. I want to show people that kids don't have to be bad and they can do things when they put their minds to it. We can do anything," said the Coal Township girl at the Kemp Memorial Stadium Friday evening.
Less than two months ago, her godfather and uncle, Alberto Padrone, of New York, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given between three and six months to live. The cancer has since spread to other organs.
She formed Team Padrone's Warriors on June 5 with three of her friends.
"I want to put a stop to it," she said.
Her strategy? A simple message e-mailed to everyone she knows asking for donations. Twelve days later, the team raised more than $7,000.
Her effort was praised by several key relay organizers.
"For a child to put all this above other things, it's amazing, especially for a 12-year-old," said event Chairperson Kathy Masser. "It's not about her. Other kids need to look at that."
Linda Leach, senior community income development specialist for the American Cancer Society, gave Greager similar positive words.
"It's the most touching thing," she said. "I'm hoping it's an example for other kids."
Padrone was not able to attend Friday, said Greager, but he is planning to to visit the relay today.
Her stand at the relay, located near the scoreboard, featured baskets, which will be raffled today, and free foot massages from employees of New Beginnings, of Shamokin.
'Stay strong'
The honorary chair this year Donna Milbrand, who is currently fighting inoperable lung cancer. Diagnosed in 2009, the cancer is treatable and has been shrinking. She will receive chemotherapy every three weeks for the rest of her life.
"Stay strong. You have to fight. Don't give up," she told participants moments before the survivor lap.
In tears, she asked for a moment of silence for everyone who lost their battles with cancer.
'Pretty confident'
The theme this year is "Rocking Around the Relay," for which teams decorated tents and stands with CDs, records and jukeboxes.
Masser said the theme was chosen to give relay participants a chance to raise their voice.
"It only takes one voice. Together we are one," she said.
Masser was inspired to participate in the relay by her husband, John, who passed away in 2008 from cancer of the spinal cord. She has her own team and her daughter also has a team.
Masser, in her first year as chair, expressed her excitement only six hours into the 24-hour event. With 24 teams participating and $16,000 raised in online donations Friday evening - not to mention other donations, she said she's "pretty confident" the group will exceed its goal of $55,000.
Masser expressed her gratitude to everyone who has helped her and donated to the event.
Leach also praised the hard work of committees and participants.
Three other area relays - Selinsgrove, Line Mountain and Mount Carmel Area - have raised $145,000 for the American Cancer Society, according to Leach, who atticipates the Shamokin Area relay will put the region over its $200,000 goal.
The relay continues today until 1 p.m.
At 10 a.m., the Penny Walk begins.
From 11 a.m. to noon, current school board members Tracey Witmer and Mark Anonia and board candidates Bernie Sosnoskie and Ron McElwee will take turns in the water balloon chair.