For the past three years, Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School and Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School have partnered for the Take Down Cancer event, which is a dual wresting meet. It originated with Coach Aveni and former PO head coach Tim McCamley. Both coaches have experiened the loss of a family member from cancer.

This year, Take Down Cancer was held Tuesday, February 6, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Clearfield High. The Take Down Cancer event has been raising funds for the Emily Whitehead Foundation, which provides funds for childhood cancer treatments. In addition, this foundation assists in increasing awareness and funds for research that supports T-Cell therapy and other immunotherapy cancer treatments.

This year to raise funds, the Take Down Cancer coordinators held a silent auction, 50-50 raffle, bake sale, T-Shirt sales, full concession, and basket raffles. All funds are donated to the Emily Whithead Foundation.

Rhonda Aveni, who assists in running this event states, “All items are donated, which reflects the large amount of wrestling fan base, community, and school wide support for this event.” So far, this event has raised nearly $48,000 for the Emily Whitehead Foundation. She adds, “Each year, the event seems to grow and continues to be a success.

To learn more about the Emily Whitehead Foundation, or Emily’s story, visit www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org.