Shekina Daniely – Local woman makes a difference

What happens when a local woman decides to make a difference in the fight against cancer? She raises almost $2,000 for United in Pink.

Shekina Daniely has never had cancer, but she had known those who have. In honor of those in the fight against cancer, and in order to celebrate her birthday, she is holding a Think Pink Birthday Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Perry Arts Center, 1121 Macon Road, Perry.

“I was introduced to United in Pink at Bluebird where I work,” Daniely said. “We have a health fair every year, and a couple of my coworkers were talking to Laura (Paxton) and Elaine (Hardison) to form a group to run at the Pink Flamingo race.”

She said that her coworkers told Paxton and Hardison to get in touch with Daniely, and they sent an email.

At the time, Daniely never responded and soon forgot about the email, but one day while cleaning her inbox, she saw the email and realized she had never gotten in contact with United in Pink.

“A year or so had passed, and I saw that old email, and I decided to give them a call and do something because I hadn’t at the time,” Daniely said.

Daniely sold raffle tickets to try to raise money for the foundation, and after raising some money, she decided to try to raise more.

The three women brainstormed about a fundraising event they could hold, and eventually due to the closeness of Daniely’s birthday, they decided to host a Think Pink Birthday Celebration.

“The main reason I am doing this is because I want to give back and help support the families going through it (cancer),” Daniely said. “United in Pink does so much to help, such as taking them to appointments, giving them gas cards and giving food, that I just wanted to contribute to that.”

At the celebration, there will be an inspirational speaker as well as people who will share their testimonies about cancer. Legacy girls will sell popcorn and pink lemonade to raise extra money for United in Pink, two televisions will be raffled, and Paxton and Hardison will be on hand to introduce United in Pink and the services the

organization provides.

Near the end of the evening, Daniely will present a check with the money she has raised. As of now, she has raised $1,300 that she will donate, and she hopes the event itself will bring in more money that she can then donate as well as raise awareness for the

organization.

“I hope I can get about $2,000 by the end of the night. I had wanted $5,000, but I am grateful for what I have received,” Daniely said.

The event is open to everyone, and there will be raffles, games, and food available for participants.

HHJ News