Arleigh is an energetic, happy, seven-year-old girl. In February 2014, at her seventh birthday party, she became sick, and two weeks later we heard those four words no parent ever expects to hear: Your child has cancer. She has Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On March 6, 2014, she started her three year course of treatment. She still loves to go to Girl Scout meetings, church, and play with friends in between hospital stays. Something she said a few weeks ago completely sums up her loving spirit: “Mom, you know there are good things about cancer. If I didn’t get it I would never have met my new friends BW, Kelsey, McKenly, and Kyrian.”
-Shaylin Williams, Arleigh’s mom
Arleigh is from Claremore, and a student at Stuart Roosa Elementary.
Earlier this week, Arleigh’s Girl Scout Troop 612 participated in the Whipping Childhood Cancer challenge in honor of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Similar to the viral ALS Challenge, in which participants dumped buckets of ice water on themselves, the Whipping Childhood Cancer challenge focuses on making a video, challenging friends, and making donations.
In this case, the lucky challenger will nominate seven friends, and give them 46 hours to respond. Then they get a face full of whipped cream. Much more yummy than ice water! The reason behind the numbers is this: 46 children are diagnosed with cancer each day, and seven children lose their battles daily. Each participant is also encouraged to donate $7 to the childhood cancer charity of his or her choice. Don’t forget to tag your video with #whippingchildhoodcancer!
If you are called out to participate, or you just want to make a donation, you can donate to Arleigh’s CureSearch team, Arleigh’s Army, which will be walking in the Tulsa CureSearch Walk on September 20. For a list of other charities, visit whippingchildhoodcancer.com.
If you didn’t watch the video, Troop 612 has challenged Cub Scout Pack 310, Junior Ocieleta and Claremore Fire Department Station 2. Better get some pies ready!
Madison Shoemaker
Addie Hamilton
Emma Hamilton
Jordyn Martin
Jessica Lavigne
Arleigh Williams
Troop 612 with leader Lacy Shoemaker
