Sweet 16 party raises money to fight cancer

For as long as I can remember Alexis Guiusfredi and I wanted to have a Sweet 16 party. We both have September birthdays just four days apart.

When we first started planning our party, we both got a bit carried away thinking we would duplicate the parties seen on MTV. We thought we would have a famous singer perform, and have an over-the-top theme.

After a little thought, we both knew that wasn't us, and we headed in a direction we both were passionate about.

In the past year, the mothers of two of our very good friends lost their battles with breast cancer. My mother is also a breast cancer survivor. I know what a family goes through when this disease invades their life.

Alexis begin brainstorming and came up with the idea of "A Party for the Cure."

Our invitation went out and we requested no gifts but donations to The Susan G. Komen Foundation. We also asked our guests to wear pink in support of our cause.

To our amazement, everyone -- boys included -- came sporting some type of pink attire. The response and support we received was overwhelming.

Alexis and I made a donation box hoping to perhaps raise $1,000.

On the Sunday morning after our party, we counted our donations and found that we had raised more than $6,000, and kids are still dropping off donations at our houses.

This is a birthday we will never forget. Both Alexis and I believe that, along with our friends' support, we have helped make a difference in the efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

McKenna Lynch of Burr Ridge is a sophomore at Hinsdale Central High School. Alexis Guiusfredi of Oak Brook is a sophomore at Fenwick High School.

How you can help

What: Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Donate online: www.komen.org

Donate by phone: (888) 888-3317

Donate by mail: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 250 Dallas, TX 75244