Community Corner

Woodstock Girl, 8, Takes on Cancer with Fundraiser

Paige Priest, 8, is asking people to donate to a local cancer support group.

Even though she's only eight years old, that isn't stopping Paige Priest from trying help those who are suffering from cancer.

Paige has launched her own campaign to raise $1,000, which will be donated to Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, a Marietta-based support group for cancer patients and their loved ones. 

Paige's mother, Christy Reeves, said Paige recently got the idea from a "family fun day" she and her daughter had with another friend, Kayla Smith of Woodstock.

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Along with Reeves and her daughter, Smith was on the trip with her sons and her mother, Debbie Ryscamp, who is battling cancer. Reeves said Ryscamp had to rest frequently throughout the day.

The next day, Reeves said Paige asked her why Ryscamp had to frequently rest and Reeves told her daughter that her friend's mother is battling cancer.

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Nearly a week later, Reeves said her daughter declared that instead of receiving gifts for her birthday on March 22, she'd rather have people donate to Loving Arms.

Reeves said she was "surprised" by her daughter's gesture.

"I was taken aback because I never expected it," she added. "Not all kids are selfish, but kids like to get gifts. She just really surprised me with it."

Paige, a student at Arnold Mill Elementary School, on Friday received a $100 check and a $1 donation from a complete stranger, Reeves noted.

Smith on her Facebook page also expressed surprised at Paige's decision.

"When I got the phone call from Christy about what little Paige wanted to do, I was astonished," she said. "I could not get over the thought that someone so small and young wanted to make such a big difference, in such a huge way. In my eyes Paige is a little angel, and at the same time a little hero, to want to help so many in suffering."

Loving Arms was started by two oncology nurses, Diana Hurst and Shamichael Traylor, who have a combined total of more than 30 years of experience in their profession. Along with emotional support, they also provide financial assistance and transportation to treatments for patients.

Angel De Jesus, the office manager for the organization's space in Marietta, said he and others were "totally stunned" when they learned of Paige's decision.

De Jesus, a cancer survivor, said Loving Arms' ability to do its mission is important as so many people depend on them for their livelihood.

"I think it’s great when children participate in things like this," he added. 

Reeves said Paige's passion for helping others isn't something foreign to her child. As a member of a local Girl Scout troop, Paige volunteers her time doing service projects. Her favorite is visiting nursing homes to sing to their residents.

Reeves said she hopes the community will reach out and support the cause of her daughter who took it in her own hands to use her birthday to help others.

She also said she'd like to see other children follow in the footsteps of young people like Paige.

"I hope they will be inspired by it and will do the same thing," she said. "No deed is too small and...every act of kindness makes a difference."

Donations can be made at P.O. Box 84, Lebanon, Ga. 30146. For more information about Loving Arms, call (770) 590-5153.

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