Kids find own way to fight cancer

Marilyn O'Brien, an 11-year-old at Auten Road School in Hillsborough, was very upset recently.

Jarred by the impact of the death of her Aunt Nancy, who passed away from breast cancer, she felt the need to help others in similar straits. She told her mother, Barbara Searle, that she wanted to go on a fundraising walk to raise money for research into the cause of the illness.
Searle said that when she found information on the Internet about the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer that's to take place next month in Washington, D.C., she contacted organizers. But they told her that Marilyn and her brother, James O'Brien, 13, were too young to participate in the event.

Not to be put off, the brother- sister duo decided to raise money on their own, selling candy and chips to give to the organization. So far, they have amassed more than $550, which they intend to present to a walker who has not yet met his or her fundraising goal. Searle said the family plans to volunteer their time as well at the event the weekend of May 5-6.

"I'm extremely proud of them," Searle said.

Anyone wishing to contribute to their efforts may do so by mak ing a check out to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and sending it to Barbara Searle at 775 Mill Lane, Hillsborough, N.J. 08844. The tax identification number is 13-6128447.