The third time is certainly a charm for Alee Becker. The 15-year-old’s latest Peace Love Cure 5K garnered more than $6,200; now the Lebanon teen is turning to city employees to keep the momentum.
On Friday, Alee presented a $6,212 check to Mercy’s Curry Cancer Center. The money was raised through the 5K and silent auction last August. The annual event at Harke Park, now in its third year, honors Alee’s late grandmother who lost a battle with cancer a few years ago.
“It’s the cancer patients and their families that benefit,” said Alee, who confirmed the money will pay for a garden patio at the cancer center. “This year’s funds bring the three-year total to more than $23,000 given to the Mercy Health Foundation to aid cancer patients. We couldn’t do this without the generosity and kindness of the Lebanon community.”
This time around, Alee is issuing a challenge, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I understand the City of Lebanon and Lebanon Fire Department will be paying money to wear jeans and pink during the month of October for cancer awareness,” Alee added. “My mantra this year is ‘I will fight until pink is just another color.’ I challenge the City and Fire employees to raise even more money and certainly awareness than hopefully the Peace Love Cure 5K through their efforts – and remember: even tough guys wear pink!”
