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A city's residents are showing they believe it takes a village to help in the fight against cancer

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Small cities and rural towns face obstacles with job creation and growth. However, some studies have shown that people in small communities are happier and give proportionally more of their money to help others.

And that is why a family whose daughter is battling cancer is thankful for Newton Falls residents, and business owners who have shown they believe it takes a village to help in the fight against cancer.

Sixteen-year-old Annie Boner was active in track and other activities at Newton Falls High School. But April 20, 2018 everything changed.

Annie broke her knee and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma or bone cancer. She has endured numerous tests, surgeries, and nine months of chemotherapy.

Her mom, Megan Childress, has celebrated on Facebook small accomplishments like Annie being able to walk with crutches and do small tasks that she did not have the energy to do for a year. Childress said, "She just finished chemotherapy, and she had a lymph salvage surgery, so it's a lot of physical therapy several days a week. It has been emotionally draining, and financially draining also. Trips to Akron for the surgeries, and therapies, and tests along with daily living expenses like the car payment, mortgage, and utility bills keep adding up. I do all I can. I work cleaning houses for people and have had to miss work. Up until her chemotherapy started, we spent 180 days at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron. When you can't work all that time, it is a lot on our shoulders."

Jason Baille, Annie's stepdad, said, "Our financial situation got worse when I lost my job at the company I worked for. I have been out every day since I lost my job, but nobody's called me back. There is definitely an advantage to living in a small city. Neighbors have cut our grass when we were in Akron; neighbors bring us dinner. ACE Hardware store held a hot dog sale and gave us the proceeds. Kristen and Brandon Graves held a spaghetti dinner to raise money to help our daughter. The school district raised money from two special basketball games, and Mr. Rankin sold t-shirts stating Peace, Love, Cure, Team Annie to help their family, while Annie continues her battle against cancer."

Annie's mom said, "There are no words to thank the people enough for that they have done to help us."

For over a year now, Tiger Den Pizza in Newton Falls has been giving all tips people place in a tip bowl to my family." Nicole and her husband Alex Brewer own the pizza shop. Nicole Brewer said, "Anything that goes into the tip jar goes to the family, and they come in weekly and get it. We have been doing this since last summer. We can't imagine not helping. We have four kids, and it makes me happy to be able to do this. You're supposed to take care of each other." Alex Brewer added, "My son Zachary come home. He seemed a little upset, and I asked him what was wrong. He let me know that Annie has cancer and he asked me if her family could have any tips put in the jar. We have given money in the past in the tip jar to help others. It is the right thing to do. Most of my customers throw in a few dollars, and it all helps. I am a firm believer in watching out for each other."

Jason Baille said, "They really care, not just about helping us, but they call or text every day to check on Annie. They call and ask about how we are doing. We may be broke, and we may not have anything, and then we go to Tiger Den and get the money out of the bowl and then we can have food for a couple of days, or pay a bill. Somebody threw in $100.00 at Christmas time. It was a big help. We appreciate this town and the people who have helped."

Annie's family describes her as an inspiration to others. Her mom Megan said, "It's been very difficult, but Annie has had a great outlook. She has kept everybody else positive. She is super artistic, really goofy, smart, pretty, and just a great kid. I don't know how she remains so positive and upbeat."

Jason Baillie said, "Emotionally I think of Annie as my daughter because I've been in her life since she was four. She is my daughter, and Trey is my son. It takes an emotional toll on me, and at times I step out of the room and cry. There are so many great people in this town, including many strangers who have said prayers, or donated some money, and others who have really went above and beyond. We thank them all. Annie is tough and positive. She has gone through so much. She is an inspiration. We are hopeful, but she is more hopeful."

Jennifer Menchen started a Facebook fundraiser for the family. Menchen said, "Annie's mom Megan and I have been friends since we were about three-years-old. She is the best, and I wish I could do more for her. I am a nurse and live a distance away so I can't do all that I would like to for Megan, but I thought I could start a fundraiser to help. We have been through everything together. We lost both of our moms to lung cancer at around the same time. Megan is an amazing mother to Annie who is 17 and Trey who is 18-years-old. Annie has been working daily cleaning homes, but the money she makes barely covers food. Jason was the primary breadwinner until he lost his job. I hope people will give what they can to help an amazing lady and her children get back on their feet. Prayers are helpful also as they lift Megan and Annie's spirits and help bring serenity to the chaos they are dealing with right now. For people who can donate the Facebook site is, It Takes a Village to Battle Cancer. Team Annie needs our help!"


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