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First Posted: 12/15/2014

DUPONT — The Polish Americans Citizens Club brought together residents of Greater Pittston area on Sunday, Dec. 14 to raise money for a young lady many described as “very special.”

Megan Lee, an eighth grader at Wyoming Area, is battling Ewing sarcoma, a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue. Sunday’s event made clear that she is not doing it alone.

Over 600 well-wishers gathered for a pasta dinner with all the trimmings. Over homemade spaghetti and meatballs, many shared stories of Megan and her family and the wonderful part they play in the community.

Megan, whose life is filled with a great deal of courage and determination, will be facing nine more months of chemotherapy at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Although an original tumor was removed this past summer, medical follow-up has been necessary to insure that the cancer is completely eradicated.

Still, she faces the future with grace and gratitude, smiling as she looked out on those gathered in support of her and her family.

“I’m really surprised and happy that so many people care so much,” said Megan.

Megan holds a special place in the hearts of those she takes Irish step dancing lessons with.

“Megan and I dance together,” said Maggie Reddington, 14, “and we go through the ups and downs of competition like sisters.”

Brother Brendan Lee said his sister amazes him with her courage and determination.

He also credited those in the community who have overwhelmed the family with support, including his hockey team mates at Wyoming Area.

“She’s been through enough and I’m so glad that she is going to be fine,” said Brendan.

Also enthusiastically volunteering was brother Tyler, 10, also a student at Wyoming Area.

Mother Erica Lee said she was ever grateful for the tremendous show of support from area residents who attended the dinner, many who also donated gift baskets for the basket raffle and many who gave an additional donation.

Grandparents Bill and Cheryl McDermott, members of the Polish club, said club members have been phenomenal in their willingness to put the dinner together and help the family in any way possible.

Cheryl especially credits the hard work of member Annielaine Krishak, who she said made the event possible through a great deal of time and energy she devoted to organizing the dinner.

For those who were feeling lucky, the basket raffle offered a variety of opportunities for winning. Tickets to a trampoline park, fixins for the coffee lover, a night at the theater, and a candy basket for those with a sweet tooth were among items that filled over 60 baskets, with many hopefully offering their tickets for their favorite items.

Several members of the Wyoming Area Kiwanis Club offered their time to the event. Member Kate Mangan, said it was nice that “both sides of the (Susquehanna) river” were able to gather to assist the family and help beat childhood cancer.

Joe and Shannon Karaffa said volunteering at the event was especially meaningful to them because they remember when their daughter, Carly, now 14 and a cancer survivor, was battling Berketts lymphoma.

“I remember when the community held a dinner in support of Carly,” said Joe Karaffa, “and now we are more than happy to give back.”

Although Megan is now limited in her ability to participate in certain activities and is home schooled, she is looking forward to the chance to return to her class mates and to Irish dancing that she loves.

When asked what she might want to be when she grows up, she replied “a chef.”

With her spirit of hope and determination, friends and family believe she can do anything.