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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Party planned to raise funds for young leukemia victim

Proceeds from jewelry party will go toward family's expenses

By Edward Freundl, Heritage Newspapers

PUBLISHED: March 1, 2007

When Casey Penney discovered that a friend's young daughter had been diagnosed with leukemia, she quickly came up with an idea to help the family.

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As an independent sales representative with Silpada Designs jewelry, Penney already was set to host a sales party Friday at her mother's Manchester home.

She decided to turn over all the proceeds from the party to help the family with its expenses.

"My friend and daycare provider, Katie Ray, just found out that her beautiful 3-year-old daughter Hayley has leukemia," Penney said. "My son Caleb is 2, and they play together."

Penney said the party will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the home of her mother, Corinne Widmayer, 7720 Sunset Drive in Manchester Township.

"It was kind of in the back of my mind to do something like this," Penney said. "My mom was already having this party because the new spring line was just introduced, and we decided it would be a good idea just to turn over the money from it."

Penney said Silpada jewelry is handcrafted with sterling silver, precious stones and natural materials.

"I've never done (a party) like this before, but I was hoping for at least $1,000," said Penney, who has been a representative for the Lenexa, Kan.-based company for about a year.

Penney said those who want to purchase a product or help in some way without attending the party may call her at 1-734-323-2883.

Hayley is being treated at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, but plans call for her to return home Thursday. She is the only child of Katie Ray and her husband, Chris.

Katie Ray has had to give up her in-home day care and her position as varsity competitive cheer team coach at Manchester High School while her daughter goes through treatment.

"Our whole world has been turned upside down in the last four days," Ray said.

"It will be a long road of weekly chemotherapy, but everything's looking good."

Edward Freundl is a reporter for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 428-8173.