Upcoming cutathon to benefit 8-year-old cancer victim

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:59AM

It just seems so unfair and sad to me when young kids are cancer victims. It has to be an unbelievable struggle, mentally and financially for their families.

One of our young friends, Jason, recently got the “all clear” after dealing with leukemia for three years, which is such a joy. But then, we hear about another youngster battling this disease that hits children too often.

Mathew Cherven, 8, a Hobart second-grader, was diagnosed in April with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and with a barrage of medications, is now in remission. However, chemo and other meds are part of his daily regime for the next 21/2 years.

Instead of complaining, Mathew just looks forward to playing and swimming. And instead of “why us?” his Mom, Irene, feels blessed by their community and hospital for the outpouring of caring.

Oftentimes the best in us comes out at the worst of times. On Sunday, March 4, Hair Cuttery at 16179 37th Ave. in Hobart will hold a “cutathon,” beginning at 6 p.m., with all proceeds going to help the Cherven family with Mathew’s expenses. So, if you are close to needing a haircut, please just wait a little longer and head over to Hobart, and feel good from your head to your toes.

Congratulations and good luck to Portage High School senior Kacie McGuire for being chosen as one of 20 girls to compete in the Distinguished Young Women of Indiana Scholarship competition.

It’s not just enough to be beautiful — the girls will be judged on their academics, talent, fitness, and self-expression, with the opportunity to earn scholarships totaling more than $200,000. The pageant begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Kokomo High School auditorium, with finals at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, when I hope Katie is wearing a crown.

There were two special “happenings” at the Valparaiso University ARC, and I am honored to have been involved in both.

In 2011, VU’s police chief, Chuck Garber, and co-worker James Dillon committed to hosting a Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge — the biggest all-state fundraiser held each year.

The weather was kind by not being snowy, icy or freezing, but there were plenty of goosebumps to go around coming out of the cold water. Thanks to an array of VU students and Special Olympics parents, the event was “cool.”

If you plunged, pledged, or volunteered, thanks for helping — you are all my pet persons of the week.

Then it was off to the VU women’s basketball game to be joyfully and humbly wearing a pink “survivor” shirt with many others, honoring women cancer survivors.

This is the fifth year the VU team has taken part in this national day of recognition, thanks to Renee’ Turpa, who is a former Portage basketball coach, and now serves as the event management assistant and group sales manager.

Thanks Renee’, coaches and players for such a special honor.

I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading . Fly your flag.