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Local Sheriff in lead of Dancing for Gold 2023 cancer fundraiser

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"I dream of the day when every child can be promised a cure. Yes, heroes come in all sizes, but the tiniest of heroes should be promised a full long life, too," - Jessica, Mother of Donnie, a 16 month old diagnosed with pediatric cancer.

Though intensive treatments and financial support has increased substantially for families fighting pediatric cancer, unfortunately, many children cannot be treated for cancer in Western Kentucky or Southern Illinois without traveling over 2 hours or more from their location. However, to help abate the financial and emotional strain of the family undergoing this battle, Book for Hope, Inc. a local childhood cancer organization, is hosting its 3rdAnnual Dancing for Gold on March 18, 2023 at the Paducah Convention center from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Ashley and Pam Thurman will be the dance directors again in the year of 2023. Though the event is in March, donations are encouraged now, as the need for is ever-growing.

Many locals within the surrounding counties are currently participating in Dancing for Gold, including Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson of 12 years, who is currently in the lead at $23,414, greatly exceeding his own goal of raising $15,000. He has been married to his wife Jacqueline for seven years and is expecting his first child soon. Davidson graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training in 2006 and has been in law enforcement for 16 years. A video trailer is posted online at bookforgold.org or on the Dancing for Gold Facebook page, where Davidson discusses his reason for participating again this year, his personal story with cancer, and the vast importance of donations for those affected.

"There probably isn't a person cancer hasn't affected in one way or another," Davidson said. "I was fortunate to attend last year's Dancing for Gold. I was touched by all of the stories, and as I sat there, I couldn't help but think about my mother and my sister who lost the battle to cancer, along with a dear friend that I was married to for 23 years. Rhonda was a special person, the love she had for family was seen in her eyes and felt by the things she would do. It is kind of ironic when I was asked to be a part of Dancing for Gold. You see, Rhonda and I spent many years dancing. She had a love for dancing. When she was diagnosed with cancer, there were a few things that stood out. Her courage, her fighting spirit, but one thing in particular was her faith."

The costs of cancer are immense, and when a child is diagnosed, many parents must stop working altogether for hospital stays or at-home care, a financial strain in and of itself. However, children only receive 4 percent of funding from the Federal Government for cancer research, and the adults receive 96 percent of the funding. Support from fundraisers and organizations such a Book for Hope and Dancing for Gold allow them to continue giving 32 percent to childhood cancer research, an outstandingly larger amount.

"Anyone that has had a child go through cancer or a family member, knows the toll it can take on a family," Davidson said. "This is an opportunity to help financially. It doesn't matter how much, even the smallest amount will go to help a family. I know Rhonda is in heaven and I know she is dancing. This dance is for you."

The overall goal of Dancing for Gold is $200 thousand, and donations amassed by participants is currently at $87, 863. To assist, you can purchase tables, become a corporate sponsor, or simply donate a specified amount to your favorite dancer by scanning the QR Code on their website, or by going to www.bookforhope.org and clicking on events. All of the following proceeds will ensure that Book for Hope can fulfill their mission statement of providing crucial financial aid to families with a child undergoing cancer treatment in the regions of Western KY and Southern IL. The dancers this year are Misty Freeman, Dr. Joseph and Heather Ashburn, Bob Lawler, Dayna Dunker, Jeff Mears, Drake Dunnaway, Katelyn Bodell, Jack Kane - WPSD Local 6, Michele Owens Schooley, Michelle Bowling and Jay Black.

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