RED CORNER BENEFIT AIDS CHILDREN WITH CANCER
UNION >> For 10 years, the Red Corner Benefit has helped raise money for and awareness of childhood cancer in the community.
On Saturday, the group proved once again what a community can do to lend a helping hand. The 10th annual Red Corner Benefit welcomed crowds of community members to enjoy food, music, games and a chance to make a difference in a child’s life.
Each year the event benefits a different family that is dealing with the challenges of a child with cancer. This year’s beneficiary was Jackson Radcliffe, who at only 18 months old was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Jackson recently celebrated his 2nd birthday in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and was finally able to step foot out of his hospital room after
39 days in isolation.
“Jackson is a delightful little 2-year-old guy who presently is battling cancer. He was diagnosed with AML, which is a form of leukemia, in February of this year,” said Melissa Mest, Jackson’s mother. “He has gone through two bone marrow transplants and has been out of the hospital for almost three weeks now, which is incredible. He’s happy to be out. He’s playing, he’s running around. He’s helping me get my steps in and he’s just an adventurous, lovable, curious little two-year-old.”
Saturday’s benefit included a variety of entertainment for guests including mechanical bull rides, live music, a petting zoo and lots of games and food.
But it’s not just great entertainment that keeps the community coming. Each year, the benefit seems to grow as families return to support the next beneficiary and community members come to support a good cause.
“We raise money but it’s become a community of support. These families know what the other families have been through so it’s emotional,” said Tammy Roehrig, one of the event’s founders.
“People do want to come out and support children during their battles but then also the amount of talented musicians that donate their time and the crew that put in all these different things like the carnival tent and the food. My favorite thing I’m told, that a lot
that people have said to me is once they come, they’re lifers. They’ll always come back.”
At Saturday’s event that could not have been more true. Mest said after seeing the community’s support for her son, she was blown away by the kindness of the community and will definitely be returning next year.
“Admittedly our first reaction was ‘Who are these people and why do they want to do something so nice for a stranger,’” said Mest. “After we started getting to know the community that makes up Red Corner Benefit we just fell in love with them and they’ve taken us under their wings.”
After all the day’s festivities are done, families are invited to spend the night camping and take part in a sky lantern release and watch a professional fireworks show.
“The people make this up. They make such an incredible community that is coming out to support a family in need and supporting our son. They’re smiling and they’re laughing and they’re enjoying themselves and celebrating and recognizing those that have already fought this battle, those that are still here with us and acknowledging those who might not be here with us today,” said Mest.
“This is the spirit of a community. This is what is so important for us to remember about the kindness of the human spirit. They show us that in every conversation and every interaction,” she said.
To donate to Red Corner Benefit at any time visit www.redcornerbenefit.org.
“We raise money but it’s become a community of support. These families know what the other families have been through so it’s emotional.”
Tammy Roehrig, one of the event’s founders.