While Danielle Fenton’s grandmother and cousin were both being treated for lymphoma and leukemia, she witnessed difficulties most wouldn’t consider.
Both are in remission after chemotherapy, but during treatment, a side effect was dry mouth, requiring them to drink water almost constantly. When going to stadium events, door monitors would confiscate their water, ignoring attempts at explanation.
That didn’t seem right to Fenton, 10, fifth grader at Pine Knob Elementary School this fall.
‘They don’t want to be treated different,? she said. ?(But) I hope they can come up with something better.?
She wants to raise funds to support research into ways to decrease thirst side effects of chemotherapy.
She walked in two Light the Night fundraisers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising $300 last year.
This year, their neighbor and stylist Shelley Sunde suggested she help out at Glitz Salon’s Cut-A-Thon and Run for a Remedy in Orion Township.
‘We’re excited about it,? Sunde said. ‘They cheer me on and help out with the charity.?
The event, in its sixth year, raised about $27,000 last year.
‘We’ll try and exceed that this year,? she said.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
Fenton is registered for the 5K Run/Walk, for which she is collecting sponsorships.
‘I’m raising money to walk,? she said. ‘My goal is to raise $350. I talk to a lot of people: family, friends, people I don’t even know.?
Danielle’s parents Leisa and Steven Fenton, and siblings Lyndsey, Tyler, and Zachary, are all helping out.
‘The whole family is doing the walk,? Leisa said.
The Glitz Cut-A-Thon is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, July 22, at Glitz NXT Salon, 4868 S. Baldwin, Orion Township. To sponsor Danielle, call the Fentons at 248-391-2370.