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Cancer Freeze event set for Feb. 2
Published 12:04am Thursday, November 8, 2012
For the second year in a row, Cancer Freeze will benefit three area residents, organizer Caleb Davidson said Wedn-esday.
“I’m thrilled to announce this year’s recipients are Kaleb Jones, Dee Ladd and Megan Land-reth,” Davidson said of the fundraising event he began in 2007 in memory of family and friends who had passed away with cancer. For a $20 entry fee, skiers brave the waters of Florala’s Lake Jackson in the middle of the winter – which led to the name “Cancer Freeze.”
Proceeds of the event will be split among the three recipients – two of whom, this year, are from Covington County.
Jones, the toddler son of Florala head football coach Justin Jones and his wife, Joni, is no stranger to Star-News readers. Diagnosed just after his first birthday with a Wilms tumor, Jones is currently in remission; however, the family must travel Birmingham for scans and X-rays every three months for the next three years.
Davidson said the child was the first organizers thought of as a recipient this year.
“But, Dee (Ladd), her story will hit your heart,” he said, speaking of the 50-year-old Harmony Community resident who continues to fight cancer after being diagnosed nine years ago with breast cancer.
“When we first started Cancer Freeze, we wanted the recipient to be a younger person in active treatment, but people who are terminal still have needs that need to be met,” Davidson said. “And that’s what we’re doing here.”
Landreth, the third recipient, is a 25-year-old Walton County, Fla., pediatric nurse currently battling brain cancer.
“These three people are just impressive,” Davidson said. “We did well enough with three last year, that we thought there was no way we couldn’t do it again. Our goal is to be successful to help people throughout the year, not just in February. We’re getting there.”
Davidson and volunteers are currently working to finalize plans for the Feb. 2, 2013, event.
There are three levels of sponsorships – $100, $250 and $500 – to have one’s company name, business or personal message placed on the back of this year’s shirt.
And for those who don’t want to get wet in February, there are a variety of other ways to participate, Davidson said.
“We’re going to do the 5K again, the chili cook-off, the auction and maybe even a motorcycle ride,” he said. “And, we’re really excited to announce we’re going to start the day with a pancake breakfast.”
Davidson said a local public meeting will be announced in the coming weeks for those interested in participating.
“We want you to show up and ask questions, and we want you to come out in February for a good time and know that all the money you donate goes straight to help these three people.”
For those wishing to participate, donate or sponsor, contact Davidson at 850-978-3726, by e-mail at calebdavidson@yahoo.com or visit the organization’s Facebook page.
