A fundraiser at the Aloha Bay Tiki Bar in Sicklerville on July 12 came as a surprise to its beneficiary.
Milagros “Millie” Lanfranco’s family and friends are raising money for her ongoing breast cancer treatment and recovery with raffles. Several gift baskets were displayed on tables at the bar and clusters of balloons in various shades of pink served as decorations.
A golden-framed backdrop stand covered in an array of pink balloons was turned into a photo booth and upbeat DJ music filled the air as participants gathered to support a worthy cause.
Lanfranco’s fundraiser was organized by her friend Tyler Fehsal with the help of the bar’s married owners, Edwin and Chrissy Aviles.
“I want awareness for young girls under the age of 30 for checkups or mammograms,” Lanfranco noted, “since I got diagnosed with cancer at the age of 29.”
Fehsal considers Lanfranco a close friend worthy of all the efforts on her behalf.
“She’s been fighting cancer since around February,” Fehsal explained. “She found out she had cancer days before her 30th birthday. While she was fighting cancer, she was able to get her master’s degree in social work.
“I feel like this (fundraiser) could bring awareness to all women to … see if they go to check themselves, make sure that they’re healthy and everything, no matter what age they are,” Fehsal added.
“She (Lanfranco) can support everybody throughout this type of fight for all women.”
Edwin Aviles didn’t want thanks for hosting the bar event.
“We just feel very honored and privileged to be able to take this walk with Milagros and just see her accomplish everything in her little heart,” he noted. “We’re going to be her biggest cheerleaders.”
A GoFundMe page created by Fehsal has raised $1,970, with a goal of reaching $5,500.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can help prevent breast cancer. It recommends keeping a healthy weight, as obesity increases the risk of cancer, particularly after menopause. A regular exercise routine has been proven to lower risk.
The ACS says alcohol consumption is directly connected to an increased cancer risk, as is smoking. It advises women not to have more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
Early detection screening is the most effective means to prevent cancer deaths. The ACS now recommends that women from 40 to 44 years old start having regular mammograms; those between 45 and 54 should do so annually. Women 55 and older can either choose between a mammogram every two years or continued yearly screening.
The ACS reports that women as young as 30 can be considered at high risk, especially if they or a first-degree relative have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation and haven’t been tested themselves. Women 40 and under with average risk should be mindful of any changes to their breasts, such as their feel or appearance.
To support Lanfranco, visit the Millie’s Brave Fight Against Cancer GoFundMe page or call Fehsal at (856) 725-6669.
Chrissy Aviles (left to right) Milagros Lanfranco, Eric White and Edwin Aviles at the fundraiser for Millie Lanfranco on July 12.
