Barbecue fundraiser underway for little Joanna McAfee
Joanna McAfee is a six year old who loves butterflies and ladybugs and firmly believes in angels.
She also has some local guardian angels working hard to raise funds for her medical costs as she fights for her life. The daughter of Jeff and Misty McAfee of Warner Robins, Joanna has Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer.
She was first diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2002 with a tumor in her lower abdomen, which had spread to her lungs. She had to have 13 months of chemotherapy and radiation before surgery was possible. The surgery, performed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City was a success, and the child began a slow recovery, only to have a relapse last month, with a diagnosis of widespread cancer and multiple tumors.
To help her family with the medical expenses, an informal organization called "Friends of Joanna," spearheaded by Donna Churchwell, is selling tickets for a big barbecue dinner, set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Sonny's Barbecue in Warner Robins.
According to Churchwell, Brad Fink, owner of Sonny's, has helped not only with a reduced rate on the barbecue, but by allowing the group to put the plates together in his back dining room. D.J.'s Galaxy Quest is lending Joanna's angels their parking lot for people who are coming by to pick up plates. (Bulk orders will be delivered)
The dinners will included barbecued pulled pork, baked beans, slaw, chips and dessert.
Joanna's family is also asking for prayers. To learn more, visit www.prayforjoanna.org
