Keyser resident Paula Streets has been passionate about raising money for cancer research ever since her mother, Connie Bosley, lost her battle to breast cancer in 2000.

Her children, 15-year-old Lauren and 11-year-old Ryan, have watched their  mother walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for the past six years and have always wanted to participate.

This year they will have their chance as the Avon Walk is sponsoring a youth crew program, giving children up to 16 years of age the chance to assist with the event.

“They will be handing out drinks and food, putting up tents and cheering on walkers,” said Streets. “They have always wanted to do this with me.”

To be selected for the youth crew, all applicants had to complete five essay questions using 250-500 words per answer.

In addition, all applicants had to complete a phone interview.

Out of all the applicants who signed up to participate in the first-ever youth crew, only eight were selected, and out of the those eight, three are from the Streets family — Ryan, Lauren, and Paula’s niece, Mariah Ack of Keyser.

“Mariah is [my sister] Bridget Weaver’s daughter,” said Streets. “She unfortunately won’t be able to make it to the walk due to participating in a state gymnastics meet.”

Each youth crew member has to raise $500 to participate.

Lauren and Ryan are going above and beyond and raising additional funding that will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation.

Lauren is raising money through a 50/50 drawing, while Ryan is hosting a benefit dance for children in grades 3-10 scheduled for Friday, March 28, at the Keyser Fire Station #2 from 6-10 p.m.

“We are asking all younger children who plan to come to be accompanied by a parent,” said Streets.

Lauren’s 50/50 drawing will be announced at the dance and an iPod shuffle and $25 Wal-Mart card will be given away, along with may other door prizes.

Ryan is most looking forward to “meeting new people and spending time with family down there,” while Lauren is just happy to be a part of such an important cause.

“I think I will like being a part of all the people that are there,” said Lauren.

Paula Streets, who usually conquers the 40-mile walk which is split up into 26 miles the first day an 14 the second, with Weaver said this year she is going to take her husband Danny along for the ride.

“It is always nice to have them there at the finish line,” said Streets. “It will be interesting to see how much I will get to see them.”

The Streets family would like to thank the following local businesses for donating toward their benefit dance: Dominoes, Vocelli’s, Keyser Fire Station #2, Linda’s Hallmark, Martin’s and Wal-Mart.

The Avon Breast Cancer Walk will take place on May 3 and 4 in Washington D.C.

Bobbie L. Carpenter can be reached at bobbie@newstribune.info