To the Editor:

I would like to thank all of the local communities for once again supporting my 9-year-old daughter’s dream of paying it forward to others.

My daughter, Shawna Cummings, was born with a rare Metabolic Disorder called MCADD. She has spent a lot of time in the hospital, even one Christmas, and at the doctor’s office. In October of 2008 she was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish Foundation.

It changed our lives forever. We were given a joy and strength that cannot be measured.

In April of 2010 Shawna told me that she wanted to give a wish to another child so with the help of St. Lawrence University’s Center for Civic Engagement we were able to make her dream come true.

It will took place on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at the St. Lawrence University Outdoor Track. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant wishes of local children who are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.

With the help of local business, community members and college students we have raised a total of $21,000, which was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of CNY, and will be used to give wishes of children in our local communities.

When we have needed raffle items, local businesses have donated. When we needed food, drinks and helium for the balloons, local businesses have generously donated.

And when Shawna wanted to pay it forward to help other children receive wishes, the local communities have banned together to help her dream to pay it forward come true. We hope to see lots of smiling faces at SLU on Saturday morning.

If you would like more information you can call the Center for Civic Engagement, 229-5095 or go to http://maw.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1033455. It is never too late to make a wish come true.

Melissa Cummings, Potsdam