Albany Troop “sells” luminarias for local kindergartner
A five-year-old Albany student is fighting cancer with the help of a group of Cub Scouts not much older than she is.
What started as a headache for kindergartner Adalyn Kirby quickly turned into something much more. After complaining of headaches, Kirby’s parents took her to a physician, and she was initially diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.
Later tests, however, showed Kirby’s tumor was malignant. Only 10 days before their daughter’s sixth birthday, Alan and Joanna Kirby of Albany got the news they feared most.
There is help on the way. Jackson Waddell and the members of his Cub Scout pack, are getting ready for a big fundraiser to help. They are raising funds to be given to Adalyn and her parents prior to Christmas.
“I’m doing this so I can help Adalyn,” said Waddell, who attends the same school. “I can do a fundraiser to raise a lot of money for her.”
Waddell says he can’t imagine what Adalyn and her family are going through and selling luminarias is the least he could do.
The Kirbys were touched by Waddell’s generosity, especially his desire to work so hard for a little girl he’s barely met.
By sharing Adalyn’s story, the Kirbys hope everyone hugs their children a little tighter at night.
As part of Waddell’s efforts, the Albany Cub Scouts will be selling luminarias until Dec. 23. They are asking for a suggested donation of $10, but insist any amount will help and each person who donates will receive a luminaria. Each luminaria sold will have special messages to Adalyn that she can read while she is fighting her battle with cancer.
“We want to let her know she’s not alone,” said Jackson.
The Scouts hope to light up the Albany Bank Park around New Year’s with the luminarias, depending on weather.
To purchase a luminaria please contact a Wolf or Bear Cub Scout or den leader Tiffany Waddell at 325-260-7881 or stop by the Waddell home at 432 South 3rd Street.
Those who live out of town and would like to help can mail a donation to Tiffany Waddell at P.O. Box 2752, Albany, TX 76430. All proceeds will be presented to the Kirby family for Christmas on Dec. 23.
