Kids & Family

Selling Pink Rainbow Loom Bracelets To Fight Breast Cancer

This 9-year-old turned a fad into a fundraiser.

Leah Ryan is only in fourth grade but already she is sadly aware of the affects of breast cancer. Her mother’s best friend, Tiffany Costa, a New City resident and 1991 Clarkstown North High School graduate, died from the disease in December 2012. 

After meeting Tiffany’s mother, Joyce, and giving her a pink rainbow loom bracelet Leah decided to weave more and sell them. Since Oct. 1, she has raised more than $400 from selling the handmade bracelets for $5 each. Leah plans to donate the money to breast cancer research. 

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When Leah was asked why she did it, she said, "To raise money for a cure."

Joyce Ryan, Leah’s mother, said her nine-year-old daughter and her friend Tiffany had a bond.

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“They were like two peas in a pod,” said the New City resident.  

When asked why she want to make and sell the bracelets, the Woodglen Elementary School student said she feels sad for her mother because she lost her lifelong friend who fought cancer for 12 years. Leah said she wants to raise money so there will not be any more cancer. 

"It's important to do things for other people," Leah said. 

Anyone who wants to purchase a bracelet can email Jody Ryan at jryan1547@optonline.net.



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