Musicians Help Lauren’s Butterflies “Hunt for a Cure”

Butterflies usually come to Charlotte County just for the summer season, but Lauren’s Butterflies are here to stay. That’s because one of the Charlotte County Relay for Life teams this year is “Lauren’s Butterflies,” led by eleven-year-old cancer survivor Lauren Bush of Keysville. Lauren has led a team every year since 2008, but this is her first year with Charlotte County Relay, having moved to Keysville in late summer.

Lauren was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2008, just after she turned five years old. For three years Lauren underwent chemotherapy to fight the disease. She started kindergarten at the same time she went through chemo, without hair but with a big smile on her face. It was a tough time for Lauren and her family, but the results have been very good. She has remained cancer free since ending her treatment in May of 2010. Throughout that time, Lauren’s team has been raising money to fight cancer.

This year’s theme for Charlotte County Relay for Life is “Hunting for a Cure.” Teams are joining in the hunt, which culminates with the Relay for Life on April 26 at Southside Virginia Community College. All the teams are raising money for the American Cancer Society and will celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers; remember those who have lost the battle and fight back by continuing to support research and help those touched by cancer.

Lauren always wants to bring in more donations and looks for new ideas every year. She and her team have raised over $50,000 since her diagnosis. She wanted this year to be big, so she asked her grandfather, Spider Gilliam, to organize a music event to help her reach her goal of at least $6,000 this year. And Papa Spider said “Okay! Let’s do it!” He called on other musicians in the area and friends who have played music with him over the years, and the event will happen on Sunday, April 27, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Randolph-Henry High School auditorium.

This afternoon of fun and music will be held the day after the Relay and just in time to help reach the fundraising goal. Musicians and groups including Allen’s Mill, Bluegrass Express, Heartland, and Stoney Ridge are donating their time. Some of them are survivors themselves or have at least one family member who has been touched by cancer. Also featured will be a reunion of the original Savannah group, featuring recording artists Bubba Chandler and Lynwood Lunsford.

Come out to enjoy a casual, fun afternoon of music and entertainment. There will be some fundraising opportunities, prizes and refreshments. Appropriate attire is CASUAL. Don’t be afraid to wear your camouflage to support the Hunt for a Cure! Jeans and boots are also appropriate. A tax-deductible donation will be collected at the door and, while $10 per adult is suggested, Lauren and her team want everyone to come and will accept whatever you feel you can give. Children are welcome and kids are covered by their parent’s donation. Every penny goes to Relay for Life and will be credited to Lauren’s Butterflies team. Come out and meet Lauren and her family on April 27. Let’s raise some money and have some fun too!