Community rallying to help young girl fighting cancer

A community of people in Fernandina are rallying to help a little girl battling cancer for the second time.

Action New Jax told you about Addison Tomberlin when she was 4 years old battling acute lymphocytic leukemia.

She beat that cancer and now at the age of 6 she's battling it again. Now people in the Fernandina community are hosting a silent auction and a barbecue for Addy to show their support while she's fighting for her health.  Action News Jax reporter Brittney Verner has a full reporter on CBS47 at 11.

Christina Shannon lives in Fernandina and she learned about Addy’s story a month ago because her daughter goes to school with her. She said once she learned about the battle of Addy fighting leukemia for the second time she knew she had to do something to help.

“It was the day before field day and her teacher said to wear yellow for a young lady who was sick again. Once I found out the story it just touched my heart. I just wanted to do just a little something for the family just to help with medical cost. I couldn’t imagine having to work full-time and pay bills and take care of a child that was sick,” Shannon said.

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That’s why Shannon decided to create a barbecue and a silent auction. Once she posted this flyer on social media the community has responded with an outpouring of support.

“It touched my heart, I think about her every day, probably all day especially like when I look at my little 6-year-old,” Shannon said.

Although she’s never personally met Addy’s family she’s donating 100 percent of the proceeds to them in hopes of relieving some of their stress.

“The amount that the community has given me I hope it touches the family as much as their story has touched my heart,” Shannon said.

That barbeque is taking place June 23 in Fernandina at the Palmetto Walk Shopping Village.

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