Emaree Wilcox is kicking cancer to the curb, but the recently turned four-year-old isn’t doing it alone. She has a community behind her.
Her biggest supporters — family and friends — are organizing a fundraiser Saturday at the Darlington American Legion Post, 201 South St. Proceeds from the day-long event will help her parents, Cody Wilcox and Maci West, with hospital bills, travel expenses and more as she continues treatment at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
Emaree was first diagnosed in January with neuroblastoma — a rare type of cancerous tumor that almost always affects children. It generally develops in the adrenal glands near the kidneys, but also can begin in or spread to other areas including the chest, spine, spinal cord and abdomen. Neuroblastoma accounts for 7-10% of childhood cancers. Most children with neuroblastoma are diagnosed before age 5.
Emaree is currently recovering from surgery to remove a mass on her adrenal gland. It is unclear whether she will be able to attend the fundraiser, her father said.
“She’s doing well, and things are going in the right direction, but her immune system is compromised right now, so we aren’t sure if she can be there,” he said.
The family-friendly event includes food, musical entertainment, a semi show and parade, a children’s area and various raffles.
Lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. The menu includes lamb burgers, tenderloins, chips and a drink. A pulled pork dinner with sides and a dessert will be served 5-8 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted for all meals.
Registration for the semi show begins at 10 a.m. There is a $25 entry fee. A parade of vehicles will take place at 8 p.m.
Entertainment will take place throughout the day, with performances by Desperate Measures, C’ville Cheer Team, North Montgomery High School Dance Team and others.
The children’s area will be open from noon to 6 p.m. A chicken-drop is set for 3:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per number.
An auction is planned for 4 p.m.
The first, small raffle takes place at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for six tickets.
The large raffle takes place at
7 p.m. There are 500 tickets available for the four-wheeler. The cost is $20 per ticket. There are 250 tickets available for the Polaris Ranger and the cost is $50 per ticket. There are 150 tickets available for the TWS-AR15 and the cost is $25 per ticket.
Raffle tickets are on sale now.
“A lot of people have really stepped up to help out, and we are grateful,” Wilcox said. “I’m really not surprised because when there is a need, people in Montgomery County respond.”
