Each year, New Creek resident June Burgess sews a quilt and dedicates it in memory of a late cancer patients or in honor of a cancer survivor to be raffled off at the annual Mineral County Relay for Life.
This year, Burgess decided to make a quilt in recognition of her nephew, Jacob Osbourne - a three-year-old who was recently diagnosed with retinoblastoma (a tumor of the tissue from the back of the eye).
“I decided to do the quilt for Jacob because he was recently diagnosed in December,” said Burgess. “And also because I thought if we had his picture up by the quilt than it would refresh people’s memory and remind them to pray for Jacob.”
Osbourne, an Inez, Kentucky resident, was diagnosed with this form of cancer last December when he had to have his eye removed.
Burgess said he is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is a very ill little boy.
“He’s pretty sick right now,” said Burgess. “He’s not doing so good.”
Burgess, who has lost a mother-in law and uncle and aunt to cancer within the last three years, said is very important for her to make and donate her quilts to Relay for Life — a walking fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research and a cure.
“This is something very near to my heart,” said Burgess.
Burgess’s husband, Kenny, was also involved in the quilt display that is currently showcased at Wepco Federal Credit Union in Keyser by fabricating the rack.
Amber DiUbaldo, a tellar at Wepco, said the Burgess’s went “above and beyond” in their efforts to assist in a successful Mineral County Relay for Life.
“We basically asked her to donate her time, as opposed to buying everything,” said DiUbaldo. “She donated everything — including her materials for the quilt — the rack and even bought the first 100 tickets to be raffled off. The kindness and generosity of June and Kenny is amazing.”
Raffles for the pink and white quilt are on sale at the Keyser branch and the winner of the quilt will be announced at the Mineral County Relay for Life scheduled for Friday, July 18-19 at the South End Sports Complex in Keyser.
Marcie Lyons, branch manager of Wepco, said that a Longaberger basket bingo is scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the High Rock Bingo Hall in McCoole.
This is a fundraiser for the Wepco Life “Savers” team and will feature 20 games and five quickies for $20.
Twenty-five Longaberger baskets will be given away, one for each game.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door and refreshments will be available.
In addition, the Wepco Life “Savers” team will be giving away two free tickets to King’s Dominion as well as a gas card.
This raffle begins June 23 and runs through July 18 — the date the winner will be announced.
All proceeds raised for these raffles will go towards Relay for Life.
Lyons said that the Life “Savers” team is currently 80 percent towards their goal.
“With the Longaberger basket bingo, we should definitely be able to reach our goal.”