Carnations for a cause Carnations for a cause (June 10, 2005)

Sisters raise money for cancer research in honor of cousin's battle
by Rebecca Guyon

Red and pink carnations could be seen all over Pleasanton Middle School classrooms last week thanks to a fundraiser organized by Megan and Kelley Harrington. But the two sisters are not in leadership class or raising money for a school trip. They planned the flower sale to raise money for cancer research in honor of their cousin, Shannon Boone, who had a recurrence of breast cancer this year. Selling the flowers for $1 apiece, the girls raised $245 that they donated to the American Cancer Society. The money, which they delivered earlier this week, will go toward cancer research and finding a cure.

"We decided to give the money towards research because it is best way to get something to actually happen," Megan said.

Shannon was originally diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago at the age of 25. After going through surgery and radiation treatment, she thought the cancer was gone for good, but she found out in April that it's back and has spread to her bones and lungs. When the sisters heard the news they were heartbroken.

"I cried when I found out," Kelley said. "I was sad that she had to go through it again, and after already going through a hard time."

But instead of mourning, the sisters decided to do something to help, just like their mom, Kathy Harrington, had done when she participated in the Avon Breast Cancer walk after Shannon was first diagnosed. The sisters are too young to take part in the walk - you have to be 18 or older - and were frustrated that their youth kept them from helping out.

"They wanted to help, but felt helpless," Shannon said. "They didn't feel they were old enough to do something grand, but they thought of something they could do at their level."

Kathy suggested they do a fundraiser that involved the school and that sparked the idea to sell flowers, since other clubs and classes have done a similar fundraiser with much success.

"Everyone wants to get a flower and feel special," Megan said.

The PMS administration got completely behind the fundraiser, as did other members of the community. Alexandria's Florist, a flower shop in Pleasanton, donated 270 carnations to the sisters and attached a card on each flower that read, "We will never forget you."

"It was hard work," Kelley said. "After we finished, I felt relief that it was done and we did something for my cousin."

Earlier in May, Shannon started her chemotherapy treatments and they will continue for approximately nine months. Even though it will be hard to go through again, having the support of her family gives her the strength to get through it.

"I was very flattered and honored that they wanted to do something like this for me," Shannon said. "But I wasn't surprised. It is very like of them to something this kind and sweet."

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