Annual cancer freeze slated
Published 1:10 am Saturday, January 17, 2009
If jumping into a body of freezing cold water for a good cause is your idea of a good time, then Caleb Davidson has a fundraiser for you – the third annual Cancer Freeze.
Set for Feb. 7, 2009, on the waters of Florala’s Lake Jackson, Davidson said this year’s event will directly benefit 5-year-old Straughn Elementary School student Julie-Layton Bryant.
Many may remember Bryant – The Star-News recently reported on her diagnosis of retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing cancer of the retina. Bryant and her family are required to make monthly trips to New York for treatment.
In years past, proceeds from the Cancer Freeze event have benefited the American Cancer Society and Florala’s Relay for Life team; however, this year Davidson decided to do something different.
“I have to say, God told me to do it,” Davidson said. “I was standing at work one day and a light came on….that’s when I knew that was what we were supposed to do.”
And believe it or not, it’s truly a case of “neighbor helping neighbor.”
“My mom and step-dad live two houses down from the Bryans,” he said. “My boys met Julie-Layton the other day, and it was quite a visit. She is an amazing little girl who has been so much and we just want to help make that journey, this thing that she’s having to go through, a little easier.”
A minimum donation of $20 will buy participants the opportunity to ski, tube, wakeboard or kneeboard. Participants this year will receive a Cancer Freeze t-shirt and silicone bracelet. Additionally this year, shirts will be on sale for $15 and bracelets for $2.
“And for the smart people who just want to watch from the shore, hot coffee and chili will also be served for everyone on hand,” Davidson said.
If weather conditions continue on the current course, this year could be one of the coldest skiers have seen.
“For the last couple years, the water temperature has been between 52 and 53 degrees,” Davidson said. “But I told someone the other day, one day we’re not going to be so lucky and I think it might be this year, if the weather holds.
“But it’s a lot of fun and for a really good cause, which is exactly why we’re doing it,” he said.
For more information or to register, call Caleb Davidson at 850-978-3726 or by email at Calebadavidson@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.cancerfreeze.webs.com.