Sutter Creek - An upcoming fundraiser at the American Legion Hall will benefit Khylee Monson, a 4-year-old from Pioneer who was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Khylee began to feel sick last fall and was diagnosed in June with pontine glioma, a rare form of brain tumor. Since then, she has undergone intense medical procedures, including six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Khylee’s mother, Jackie Harrison, ended her job at Volcano Communications so she can look after Khylee and drive her down to Sacramento for weekly hospital visits. The fundraising committee “For Khylee’s Sake,” created by Jennifer Wilson, is the organizing party behind this latest fundraiser, which includes a raffle and silent auction. Wilson is a close friend of Jackie and has a 4-year-old daughter who is friends with Khylee. “It’s important that people come to this dinner event to support Khylee and her family during this devastating time,” said Wilson. She said Saturday is also an opportunity to raise awareness. During the last 30 years, there has been little to no progress in fighting this and similar types of brain cancer, where other cancers have seen big increases in survival rates. “The goal for Saturday is to raise $15,000,” said Wilson. So far, her committee has raised over $10,000 through various fundraising efforts and private donations. In addition, the entire staff at Volcano Communications has donated portions of their paychecks towards helping Khylee, so far totaling over $16,000. Wilson said the money will cover a variety of expenses, from procedures not covered by insurance to general living expenses now that Jackie is out of work. “In a couple more moths she has to switch over to COBRA insurance, which will cost her at least $1000 out of pocket each month,” said Wilson. “Jackie has been overwhelmed and amazed by the show of support. She told me she is really grateful.” The fundraiser and auction to benefit Khylee Monson at the American Legion Hall in Martell takes place this Saturday, August 22. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will be tri-tip sandwiches, salad and desserts. Tickets for the dinner cost $15 for adults and $7 for those ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and under are free. Some of the many raffle and silent auction items include a 30-minute helicopter ride over Amador County, $3000 worth of daycare at Pioneer Montessori, photography sessions, overnight stays in Tahoe, a huge vacation home in Santa Cruz for 3 nights, a cord of pine wood, web design services, artwork, jewelry, free babysitting, wine, karate classes, a Black & Decker cordless set of tools, and much more. Tickets for the event are available at Hein & Company Books in Jackson, Well Read Books in Martell, State Farm Insurance in Jackson, Pets n’ Stuff in Ione, Munnerlyn’s Ice Creamery in Pine Grove, and Pine Cone Drug in Pine Grove, as well as online at www.just-one-dollar.com. For more information, call Wilson at 419-3995. by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - Two young philanthropists from Jackson did their part on Tuesday to help raise much-needed funds for some respected local organizations. Jackson residents Hannah Williams, age 8, and Arianna Madrigal, age 9, came up with the idea of having a lemonade stand to help support the current needs of the Interfaith Food Bank and the Amador County Animal Shelter. The girls served delicious glasses of lemonade to visitors from 12 to 4 pm Tuesday in the Sierra Homes and Properties parking lot next to Jon’s Pit Stop. All of the proceeds will go to the Food Bank and the Animal Shelter. In total, $75 were raised for the Food Bank and $36 were raised for the Animal Shelter. Special thanks was given to SH & P Realtor and Owner Kellee Davenport for allowing the girls to use her parking lot. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.