HAUSER — Anissa Thomson was "shocked" when she received the call.
It was Hauser Lake Fire Capt. Gary Mobbs, informing her that her 2-year-old daughter Delaney had been selected as this year’s recipient of the annual Shalena’s Breakfast with Santa fund-raiser for kids with cancer.
"I didn’t even know about this event until Gary called," said Thomson, a single parent who lives in St. Maries. "I feel privileged, and I appreciate it."
The fund-raiser, which began in 1985 and is sponsored by Hauser Fire, is Sunday from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the station. It is named after Mobbs’ daughter Shalena, who died of Neuroblastoma cancer 18 years ago at 2.
The fire agency held a pancake feed fund-raiser for Shalena during her difficult time, and Mobbs has helped return the favor ever since.
Since the event began, it is estimated that over $30,000 has been donated to North Idaho families that have kids with cancer. Two years ago, a record 940 attended.
Delaney was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia on Oct. 9 last year, a week after her first birthday.
"She just got out of intense chemotherapy," Thomson said. "She just returned to day care this week and I returned to work (at Kimberly’s hair salon) after being on quarantine for a year."
Thomson, 31, said it’s been a rough year driving back and forth to Spokane for treatments and spending 13 to 14 days at a time away from home.
"She couldn’t go anywhere (in public)," Thomson said. "I’d have to drop her off at grandpa’s in Rose Lake, so I could go to Coeur d’Alene to run errands."
But Thomson is cautiously optimistic about the future.
"Doctors are positive about her condition, but there’s no definites," Thomson said. "Leukemia isn’t considered cured for seven years. If she gets sick again, then we’ll have to do a bone marrow transplant in Seattle."
Thomson said she’s grateful for the community support. Last year, a chili feed and auction was held in St. Maries to help her out with expenses.
"There’s always the concern about how to pay for everything," she said, adding that she plans to attend the fund-raiser with Delaney.
Mobbs said he’s hoping 1,000 people turn out, up from 870 a year ago.
"Last year we took a little hit because Saddam (Hussein) was captured," he said.
The suggested donation of $3 per person is maintained so that even low-income families can help out if they wish.
"This way everyone can help out, enjoy a great breakfast and go away with a warm and fuzzy feeling," Mobbs said.
Information: Gary Mobbs 773-4522 (day); 773-7297 (night); hauserfire.org
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