Fourth-grader donates $630 to fight cancer

Nathan Adkins, a fourth-grader at Dixie Elementary in New Lebanon, recently visited Dayton Children’s Cancer Center, where he donated a check for $630.

After multiple family members and acquaintances lost their battles to cancer, Nathan felt moved to raise money and help. With the support of his family, Nathan made paracord bracelets and keychains to sell at various businesses, schools, and at a garage sale. His hard work led to the large donation.

Nathan continues to make and sell bracelets to raise money for the cancer unit at Kettering Health Hospital. former math teacher Stephanie (Moore) Misak by giving overwhelming support to the Jan. 10 blood drive in memory of her infant son.

Stephanie left Dixie a few years ago to marry and moved to Kansas with her husband Heath. Their first child, Declan, was born premature Nov. 27 with complicated health issues. He was a week old when he died.

The Declan Misak Memorial Blood Drive was quickly organized to coincide with the school’s student blood drive. It was opened to the community with visitors donating on the CBC Bloodmobile. Stephanie was thankful for the donors who helped her son by encouraging blood donations, including at her former school.

Students and community members combined for 88 donors, far exceeding previous drives and their goals for this year.