SAUGUS — Alexis Comeau’s grandmother died two days before she was born. But last year, the nine year old raised more money for the American Cancer Society in her name than anyone else.
“This helps (fight) cancer,” said Comeau, who raised more than $1,200 by selling candy bars and canning outside Honey Dew Donuts. “It’s important because people can die from it.”
She and her team, Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels, will continue the effort on Sunday with a touch-a-truck event from noon until 3 p.m. at Fuddruckers.
Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels formed in memory of Comeau’s grandmother Irene Comeau, who died from esophageal cancer. Each year, a group of family members raise money to participate in the Relay for Life, a team fundraising event that benefits the American Cancer Society.
The team will participate in the Wakefield relay on June 15.
Team members take turns walking around a track or path for 24 hours. Each team has a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps.
Comeau first joined her family in the event when she was six months old and has participated ever since. Her uncle, Guy Moley, is the team leader.
“Uncle is the captain and I’m the helper,” said Comeau. “But I’ve been wanting to be the captain since we started.”
Before they can get to the relay, teams must raise as much money as possible through fundraisers, canning, and other means.
The family raised a total of $1,500 in its first year at the relay. Last year, it was the top fundraiser at the event, reaching $10,000, said Moley.
During Sunday’s event, children will be allowed to climb into tow trucks, fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks, a street sweeper, and a front-end loader.
There will be a classic car show, a K-9 demonstration by Saugus Police Officer Tim Frost and a robotics presentation from students from the Lynn Vocational Technical Institute robotics team.
“All these people are volunteering their time to raise money for cancer research,” said Moley. “I’m just blown away at the response we’ve gotten from people who want to help.”
