Courtesy photo of Alissa Thomas

By: Jacqueline Bennett  newsandviewsjb

Another little one and her family are facing the battle of their lives and need whatever help can be given.

Little 5-year-old Alissa Thomas was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, according to an e-mail forwarded by Ann Walsh of Windsor, Connecticut. Walsh has been active for many years with “Alex’s Lemonade Stand,” a non-profit foundation formed to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

“Kids, and cancer in particular, are my passion. I would like to see it gone in my lifetime,” noted Walsh.

According to Walsh she was contacted about Alissa by the family of a child who attends the Montessori School in Windsor with one of Walsh’s grandchildren. Alissa’s family needs assistance to cover the cost of hospital bills expected to accrue as the result of lengthy hospital stays for the little girl over the next three years.

A fundraiser is scheduled for Alissa on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Knights of Columbus in Enfield, Connecticut, located on 371 Washington Road. It will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Donation is $20. Donations can also be mailed to: Alissa Thomas c/o Savings Institute, attention: Crystal Hill, 85 Freshwater Blvd., Enfield, CT 06082.

“No gift is too small,” is the message from friends of Alissa’s family. Even pennies, they say, would be appreciated and “prayers, prayers and more prayers.”

Donations of raffle items from businesses are being sought for the fundraiser. Contact Ann Walsh at 860-688-5821.