New Franklin’s Wendy and Bobby Wilson are hanging onto hope that their baby daughter Mia will grow stronger.Mia, who was born Feb. 19 with only three heart chambers, has never been home. She’s being treated at Mott Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, for problems that range from a stroke to congestive heart failure; she’s already undergone three open-heart operations, with another one scheduled before she turns 2.To help the family with mounting expenses, friends have organized a benefit corn roast for 4 to 9 tonight at Dusty’s Landing, 4760 Dustys Road (off state Route 619 just east of Manchester Road), New Franklin. In addition to cornhole games, a buffet picnic is planned, as are a silent/live auction, basket raffles, 50/50, door prizes and entertainment. Cost is $15; $25, couple. Tickets will be available at the corn roast or by calling 330-644-5666. A Wilson Family Benevolent Fund also has been set up at FirstMerit Bank (any branch).Beautiful event A rather unusual event is in the works to help women battling breast cancer feel victorious.In this case, the eyes have it. So says Leia’ Love, event coordinator and cosmetologist at the Hair Club of Norton, who is organizing Batting for a Cure, 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of God, 1225 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. Love explains the concept: “As beauty professionals, we work to help women feel and look beautiful.“We have encountered many women who have lost their eyelashes and other facial hair during their radiation/chemo process. Realizing this, we would like to take the time to help them regain their confidence in their appearance by adding a small touch of beauty that makes a huge difference.“They will be able to ‘bat’ their eyes with dignity.“Breast cancer survivors will receive a free makeover between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. We will be providing an array of services, including applying false eyelashes, makeup, eyebrow arching, nail/toe polish changes and mini massages, for a small donation. A percentage of all sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society.”Also on the menu will be an ongoing Look Good Feel Better class, where beauty tips will be dispensed.All services provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For your reservation, please call 330-356-8385.Laughing for good cause The Arc of Stark County will be rolling out the red carpet for its Premier Event Oct. 12 at the Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N. in downtown Canton.Funnymen on stage that evening will be Dave Kaplan, Tim Wright and Mike Bishop. A live auction also is planned.“The great things about the Arc’s Premier Event is that the people attending get to spend a whole night laughing and enjoying themselves while helping to fund programs of the Arc, such as our summer camp, Arc Stark Sibs Club and family advocacy,” said Arc executive director Ron Klonowski. “So not only do you get a night of comedy, as you would at some other shows, you’re also helping families get the services that their loved ones need.” The Arc is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. The event kicks off with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by the 7:30 p.m. comedy and magic show. Tickets are $35 (includes hors d’oeuvres and reception with the performers) or $25 (show only). Order at www.cantonpalacetheatre.org or call the Palace box office at 330-454-8172, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.Amputee says thanks • A big thank-you from Akron’s Quaid McIver — the young man featured in Wednesday’s column who is rebuilding his life since becoming a bilateral amputee last year — to the staff (nurses and therapists) at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute, where he has received incredible care and where other patients have monitored his progress with acute interest. Special nod to Dr. Jeff Sanderson, Dr. Kennard Ford and Dr. Steven Richman. Michael Delahanty is medical director.• Hats off to gentlemen barbers Willie Derricott and Emerson Samuels, partners at Chic Diverse Barbershop, 88 E. Mill St., Akron, who generously offered McIver one year of free service. “He inspires us!” Derricott said. “This is just something we want to do for him.”• Kudos to Carol Kenton, who contacted me after she read the column about McIver, inviting him and other amputees to a support group: “I am also an amputee, above the knee (due to peripheral artery disease). I was fortunate to help start an amputation support group at Lifeworks (out of Southwest General Hospital) at 7390 Old Oak Blvd., Cleveland (Middleburg Heights). We meet 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month.” Meetings are open to all amputees and their caregivers. For information, please call Kenton at 440-239-0612 or email her at
carol_kenton@yahoo.com.Massages for veterans Connecting Touch Therapy & Wellness Center Inc., 960 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, will be providing free half-hour massages on Veterans Day Nov. 11 to U.S. military veterans. “It is our small way of thanking the veterans for their sacrifices to protect our freedoms,” said Jack Hayes, Connecting Touch president, who served in Vietnam in 1968-69.Veterans interested in this free healing must call 330-945-9354 to schedule an appointment and must be prepared to show proof that they are veterans.Each veteran will receive a goody bag filled with items donated by area businesses as yet another way to say thanks. Businesses interested in being a part of this campaign, please call the same number. YMCA gets bikes Major kudos to Christine Bogus of the Macedonia Walmart, who recently donated 16 bicycles, which would have been scrapped because they needed minor repairs, to the Nordonia Hills YMCA in support of the Y’s mission “to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”Lisa Gillota, the Nordonia Hills Y’s executive director, contacted the Church of the Hills asking for help in finding homes for the bikes, “specifically with those who cannot afford to purchase bikes for themselves or their children.”Congregation member Don Hovorka signed on to pick up the bikes and make repairs. Church of the Hills is paying for the repairs, and members will deliver the bikes as Christmas presents to deserving families. The Y also is hosting a bicycle helmet giveaway Wednesday, when 60 helmets will be presented to children in the Y’s after-care and preschool programs.For information, please call Gillota at 330-467-8366, ext. 2.Christmas fundraiser Project: St. Nicholas Returns Inc. will present its 17th annual auction and dinner fundraiser 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. George Fellowship Centre, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Copley Township. Proceeds help the nonprofit fulfill Christmas wishes to those in need. It’s all done anonymously.Dress like you’re going to win big! Bring cash, check or credit cards. Please RSVP at PSNR Inc., P.O. Box 36271, Canton, OH 44735-6271, or register@psnr.org. Cost is $25;, sponsorships, $10-$500. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Returns Inc. Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or emailed at jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.