Cookies for a cause

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The Cookies for Kids' Cancer bake sales were held during the March 4-6 weekend in Long Beach and Atlantic Beach, an event that raised money to support pediatric cancer research.

Volunteers baked cookies and dedicated their efforts to support an important cause. “Cookies for Kids' Cancer was created to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research. But it all started with a kid fighting cancer and his parents’ desire to help him and others.

That child was Liam Witt. The bake sales were held in memory of the Witt, who lost his battle to Neuroblastoma in January. The event was also held to honor Kyle James Williams, who was a friend of Liam’s. Kyle continues to fight for his life every day.

Neuroblastoma is the rare form of childhood cancer that took Liam’s life. Only 30 percent of children diagnosed survive because little money is spent on research. In fact, pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children under 18 years old.

When Kyle was diagnosed with the disease, it drew a tremendous amount of support from the community, including the Long Beach Fire Department and Petrey Real Estate. A blood drive in Kyle’s name was held at the Maple Boulevard firehouse in January.

As Gina Marks and Cindy O’Brien stated, “One day a little boy named Kyle came into our lives and quickly became part of our Petrey family. We follow his journey and hope and pray that God will give Kyle his wish to live his life like any other child.”

Jennifer Bartko, owner of Petrey, said, “The toll pediatric cancer takes on patients and their families is profound. We have seen this struggle first hand.”

Organizers said Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is meant to create awareness about all children who have lost their lives and to improve the survival rates for all forms of pediatric cancer.