By: Shon Brantley
East Side’s own Alli Penna, daughter of Athletic Director/Varsity Head Football Coach Tony Penna Jr. and Danielle Penna, raised awareness for cancer on her own special day. Alli celebrated her 11th Birthday on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Club 814 in Johnstown.
Alli decided that she did not want people to give her any presents. Instead, she wanted people to donate presents or money to Heather’s Haven. Heather’s Haven is an undergoing camp that will be for children with cancer to attend, along with their families and their pets. Heather’s Haven is a camp in honor of Heather Miller, a Bedford native, who passed away after battling Ewing's sarcoma, a rare childhood bone and tissue cancer. Kim Reifsnyder, coordinator of the camp, hopes to have the camp opened by spring of 2012.
Heather was 11 when she lost battle with the disease and Alli was turning 11. Her birthday party was just right for the fundraiser. Alli has a huge heart at such a young age and that was shown through her unselfish act.
