Yorkregion.com - Markham - Brave young fundraiser gets street in her name
Brave young fundraiser gets street in her name
Markham
May 08, 2008 08:07 PM
By: Yentl Lieuw
Shania Johnston’s name will live on, literally.
Saturday’s second annual Shania’s Sunflower of Hope Fun Fair was marred by rain, but Mayor Frank Scarpitti brightened up the event by debuting a street sign with Shania’s name to be placed in an as-yet unknown new development.
Shania was eight when she died last year from neuroblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.
Her dream was to find a cure and she helped create the fun fair and raise thousands of dollars for research.
This year’s fair, at Markham Fairgrounds, provided games, food, bouncing castles, pony rides, silent auction and appearances by singer Michael Burgess and former Toronto Maple Leaf and Markham resident Steve Thomas.
“I remember a little boy around five years old on the rides screaming ‘This is the best day of my whole life’,” said Shania’s father, Shayne Johnston.
The fair’s goal is to raise money for Sick Kids hospital foundation and The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research. The amount raised this year wasn’t available at press time.
“It was great to see so many people supporting the cause,” said Mr. Johnston, who’s planning a repeat next year.
You have another chance to contribute to the campaign through the first Shania’s Sunflower of Hope Golf Tournament June 7 at Markham Green Golf Club on Rouge Bank Drive in Markham. Entry fee is $75.
Check out www.shaniasunflower.ca for more information.