Local woman wants to #PaintClarendonGold
It started last year with a simple request.
Caroline Buyck asked a few residents last year to place a few gold ribbons on their mailboxes in recognition of Children’s Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognized each September.
Before long, businesses began joining in the initiative, which continued in 2016 in an almost exponential fashion, Buyck said.
The effort began Sept. 1 in the Bank of Clarendon parking lot, as Buyck and her daughter, Mary Catherine, joined family and friends in seeking donations while provided pre-made gold bows to residents and business owners.
“There are a lot of children in Clarendon County who have dealt with cancer, and a lot of families who have been harmed by it,” Buyck said. “I would love to see the entire county dressed up in these gold bows to show awareness for all forms of cancer that affect our little ones.”
Buyck’s daughter has dealt with a brain tumor for much of her 10 years on earth. A student at Laurence Manning Academy, Buyck continues to see doctors in Florida for the inoperable tumor. Last year, Mary Catherin’s third-grade class got in on the initiative, Going Gold for Children’s Cancer Awareness Month.
“She was diagnosed when she was just 14 months old, and everyone has always been very supportive,” said Caroline Buyck.
The mother-daughter pair called the initiative #PaintClarendonGold.
"I was so excited to see all the gold ribbons around the county," Mary Catherine said Sept. 29 shortly before selling out of gold cupcakes at the Laurence Manning Academy home volleyball games.
Buyck said that, overall, the effort raised $3,705 by Sept. 27.
Mary Catherine presented a large check to Gina Janvrin from Gamecocks Battle Kids Cancer, who attended a special chapel at Laurence Manning Academy.
"We have just been overwhelmed by the support in the community," said Buyck. "We are looking forward to continuing this awareness effort next year and making it bigger and better."
