Upcoming fundraiser to wage hope for a cure for pancreatic cancer

Christina's 3rd annual fundraiser dinner to wage hope for a cure for pancreatic cancer will be held on Saturday evening, June 3.

The dinner will take place at the veterans Memorial Building, 125 East F Street. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and a lasagna dinner ($10 per person), graciously prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary, will be served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner tickets will be sold at the door.

There will be door prizes and a silent auction with bidding throughout the evening. The winning prize tickets for the Henry American Beauty .22 caliber rifle with case and the four cash prizes of $1,000, $500, $200, and $100 will drawn at 8 p.m. Winners need not be present. Tickets for the cash prizes will also be available for purchase the night of the dinner at the door. The Henry rifle will be on display for the people in attendance to see.

Live entertainment will be provided by our very own Jerry Mulkins, Maria Werth, Pat Shoptaw and Tracy Barnes. Tracy will once again be coming from her home in Nevada to perform in Christina's honor.

The sponsors of the fundraiser are Major Jason E. George VFW 12114, American Legion 221 and Auxiliary, and have once again agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales, silent auction, and donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( also known as PanCan). PanCan is a grass roots, nationwide network dedicated to advancing research into pancreatic cancer, providing services to cancer patients and their families, supporting clinical trials and awarding research grants. They also organize walks and runs for pancreatic cancer awareness. Christina's 2nd annual fundraiser was an enormous success. She raised $11,162.71, and a check in that amount was issued to PanCan by Major Jason E. George VFW 12114.

Christina lost her life at the young age of 44, after a courageous, two - year struggle with pancreatic cancer. While she was lying in her hospital bed with little time left, she said, " Dad, lets face it. We are not in Disneyland here. We both know I'm going to die. Instead of flowers for my funeral, please request donations for pancreatic cancer so others do not have to suffer the way I did, and you and mom too." Grief stricken by the loss of their daughter, her parents looked for a way to continue to honor Christina's memory. They contacted Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and, with its support, set up a "Keep The Memory Alive" web page. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/christina-athans-hartley/keepthememoryalive

Christina tried to live by a saying she once read, "how beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it". Over the last three years, the citizens of Tehachapi have proven this quote to be true due to their generosity and kindness. We thank you so much.