Family seeks walkers for teen

Brittney Hall is upset that she can't walk in the Relay for Life because of her cancer.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Thirteen-year-old Brittney Hall won't be walking later this month at the Relay for Life, so her family is seeking walkers for her.
Brittney, of Lordstown, will be in Miami, Fla., during the June 23-24 fundraiser for cancer research to have her left eye removed because of two cancerous tumors.
"It's pretty upsetting," said her grandmother, Judith Hall, village clerk.
Brittney is the daughter of David and Beth Hall of Palmyra Road. She will enter the eighth grade in the fall.
Her mother said the disease is rare in children and there is no treatment if it spreads. Nonetheless, she wanted to postpone her surgery until after the event.
Brittney was diagnosed with the tumors June 5 at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, which is affiliated with the University of Miami.
Grandchildren help
Hall has always been involved in the fundraiser and her grandchildren, including Brittney, helped out.
When Brittney found out that she would be undergoing surgery to remove her eye rather than walking, Hall said, her granddaughter felt disappointed.
"She's always thinking of others," Hall said.
But "she has a pretty good attitude," her grandmother added. She is concerned about her ability to get a driver's license when she's old enough.
Hall is looking for people to walk on Brittney's behalf. Money raised won't go to the teenager's cause, but to the American Cancer Society.
"We want to fill in for her," Hall said.
"Do it for Britt" bracelets are being made by Hall and her friends to sell for $1 each at the Lordstown Relay, which will be from 6 p.m. June 23, through 6 p.m. June 24.
The bracelets cost $1 each and can be bought by calling the village administration building, (330) 824-2045, or at California Pizza, Speed Check, Curves and Golden Image Tanning, all on state Route 45, or Cavalier Credit Union, Salt Springs Road.
The relay is a significant event in Lordstown and village employees, known as the "Village People," participate.
Honoring victims
The former village workers who have died of cancer will be honored with T-shirts as part of the fundraising.
The shirts, with three roses, pay tribute to Barbara Hood, former treasurer; Jean Ann Smith, a former clerk and recreation director; and Carol Wells, who was an office clerk.
Also, "Do it for Britt" T-shirts are available.
The shirts can be ordered for $12 each through Wednesday by calling the administration building.
yovich@vindy.com