Thursday...was Dany's Day.

Daniela Perez, 9, is being recognized by the Lexington school district for her brave fight against Leukemia.

  A few weeks ago, the fourth grade student got very ill and spent three weeks in the hospital.  So, staff at Lexington Central Elementary school joined forces and came up with a fundraising effort to honor Dany and to help her family with medical expenses.

  Her teacher, Edwina Finley says Dany is a wonderful little girl who is cared for very much by everyone in the district.

  "The kids have been wonderful and supportive," Finley said. "They've made cards and brought things for her and ask about her daily. 

  "The day we got the picture of when Daniela came home from the hospital, they were cheering," Finley said. "They were so excited she was well enough to come home."

   Dany and her mother Alejandra Gutierrez enjoyed the celebration today, which included an auction, educational activities, and an "orange out," where everyone in the district was encouraged to wear orange.

  "Well, orange because it's the color of Leukemia (awareness)," the bright-eyed little girl said. "November first, was the day they told us I had Leukemia," Dany said.

  "It's just a happy day, to be honest with you," Gutierrez said. "It's a day for celebration, a day for smiles."

  As for the support the family has received from the school district, Gutierrez said "It means a lot to us. It's been so great...so great."

     
  If you would like to donate to Dany's cause and help her family with medical expenses, contact the Lexington Board of Education Office.