MECHANICSBURG – A Mechanicsburg sixth grader will be treated to a big costume party as a fundraiser to pay for her family to go to Disney World.
Jillian Ripley, 11, is fighting osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. She was diagnosed in March, and her treatment is supposed to wrap up this month, Legacy Strongheart Foundation Founder and CEO Terra Byrd-Grupe said.
The foundation aims to help children and families deal with mental and physical illnesses and disabilities, along with cancer treatment. The foundation grew from Byrd-Grupe’s son’s cancer battle and has taken part in local activities, such as the Laps of Love walk at Triad Elementary, which helps raise money for Relay for Life. The group also organized Lauren’s Enchanted Ball for Lauren McManaway when she was fighting cancer. She died not long after that event.
Jillian’s Enchanted Halloween Ball will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Mechanicsburg High School. Admission is $10; children age 2 and under are free. Guests are asked, but not required, to participate in the costume contest. Prizes will be awarded. There will be vendors, food trucks and appearances by different characters, such as comic book heroes. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.
All the proceeds go to giving Jillian and her family a fun trip to Disney World after she completes her treatment.
The gym will be open for pictures 3:30-4 and 8-8:30 p.m. The gym lights will be dimmed for the dance party 4-8 p.m.
For more information about Legacy Strongheart Foundation, visit legacystrongheartfoundation.webs.com.
