Poker run to help pay medical bills

IF YOU BELIEVE -- as I do -- that turnabout is fair play, then you'll want to reserve a few hours Saturday for someone who has been there for others.

I'm talking about 26-year-old Stacie Cross, former EMT/driver with American Medical Response, who a year ago was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, went into remission and was able to return to work.

Unfortunately, Stacie went into such a decline that doctors recommended hospice.

But Stacie, with a faith as sure as the stars, refused and is now in her second round of chemotherapy, colleague Deanna Williams said.

People driving around Akron may notice purple ribbons tied to telephone poles and to antennas of every AMR ambulance and on the uniforms of Stacie's former co-workers. They're a visible testimony of those who've witnessed Stacie's miracle.

"My family and friends are what keep me going," Stacie said. "They tell me I have the strength to fight.

"But it's my mom (Jean Cross) who has been my best supporter. She's always at my side, sleeping in rickety chairs in my hospital room."

On Saturday, friends and family are sponsoring a "Courage 4 Cross" poker run to assist Stacie with living expenses.

Interested in helping Stacie battle her bills?

Melody Lane Lounge at 4329 Lincoln Way E., Perry Township, is the starting point with the first vehicle due out

After their 8-year-old daughter's death four years ago from viral myocarditis, Alyssa Ann Calaway's grieving parents, guided by their faith, founded Alyssa's Hike for the Hearts, an annual family hike at Goodyear Metro Park.

The event, planned for Saturday, Sept. 16, is threefold: It celebrates Alyssa's life; it raises awareness about the mysterious disease and the need for more research; and it also raises money to help children go to camp.

"We have a special 'campership fund' set up in her honor at our church -- The Chapel," said Sarah Calaway, Alyssa's mother.

Half the proceeds will go to Cleveland Clinic doctors studying ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

Last year's hike raised $20,000, which made it possible for 100 children to attend The Chapel's Camp Carl.

Interested in aiding a great cause and attending a fun family outing?

Try Alyssa's Hike for the Hearts, which also will include a meal, entertainment, raffles and other prizes and T-shirts.

The hike runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with early registration at 9:30 a.m. Don't forget to get those pledges!

Kylie Jane Long Fund

Elizabeth and Jason Long of Granger Township also suffered every parent's nightmare with the loss of their only child, Kylie, to a rare liver cancer when she was a year old.

Since then, her parents have formed a foundation to assist families who have a child in the hospital and funds projects to help pediatric patients.

"We made a point to decorate Kylie's room for her, and we want to do something more lasting for the other children in the pediatric intensive care unit" at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Kylie's mom said.

"One of our proposals is to work with a company called The Sky Factory to install backlit ceiling tiles above the children's beds, giving them the illusion of being outside."

In an effort to help the Kylie Jane Long Fund, Fussy Cleaners is donating 2.5 percent of September sales to the cause.