Violet Students Raise Funds for Classmate With Cancer

Students at are leading a community-wide effort to raise funds for a fellow kindergarten student who is battling cancer.

Maria Anglin was 2 1/2 when she was diagnosed with Leukemia and went through numerous blood transfusions and chemotherapy.

She was later diagnosed Wilms', a cancerous kidney tumor. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and her kidney, and went into remission. Then this past January, doctors found two large tumors in her abdomen.

Maria had those tumors removed, and is now undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and radiation.

Her fight has inspired her classmates including Samantha Talanges, a fourth grade student, who has organized the fundraisers and donated her hair to, a St. Clair Shores-based charity which provides wigs to children who have lost their hair due to cancer and other diseases.

"I can grow my hair back and she can't," Samantha said.

Nearly $700 has been raised through a variety of bake sales, lemonade stands and donations from students at Violet Elementary School, the choir and the community.

"I had heard that Maria was not doing well so I decided we should raise money for her and I asked the principal if we could host a bake sale," Samantha said. "It makes me feel very good."

The funds will donated to the Maria Anglin Fund, which helps the young girl.

 will also be hosting a fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, where 10 percent of the sales will benefit the Maria Anglin Fund. Owner Cathy Massof will also be giving away a free gift with every purchase over $25. The students from Violet will have a lemonade stand, bake sale and crafts to sell. 100 percent of their profit goes to Maria's fund.

"It took a 10-year-old to get all of this going," said Debbie Talanges, Samantha's mother. "It has just inspired the community to come together."

Donations also can be sent to the Maria Anglin Fund, 35049 Cathederal, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.