Donations pour in for 'bubbly, happy' Glace Bay girl with bone cancer

The generosity of Nova Scotians was proven again this week after aGlace Bay girl was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Dozens of offers of help have reached the Cox family, and a GoFundMe appeal to help with expenses related to 12-year-old Leigh-Anne's illnesssurpassed its $10,000 goal in just 24 hours.

Earlier this week,Leigh-Anne was diagnosed with bone cancer. The girl and her parents, Adele and John Cox, are in Halifax, where Leigh-Anne is a patient at the IWK Health Centre.

Fundraising efforts are underway on and off Cape Breton Island, said family friendJaneMacArthur-Summerell.

"I felt their main concern should be [their daughter]. I'll do anything," said MacArthur-Summerell,describing Leigh-Anneas "a bubbly, happy, joyful, beautiful child."

"I knew Cape Bretoners were going to rally together and just do everything they possibly could."

Fundraising events already underway

It's only been days since Leigh-Anne's diagnosis, and benefits, auctions, a paint night, cookie sales and 50-50 draws are already being organized, MacArthur-Summerellsaid.About $13,000 in GoFundMedonations has been raised as well.

"Adele's words she's been using all week is 'humbled.' She's completely humbled by what people are willing to do, and give, to her and her family," she said.

"Leigh-Anne is beaming. She's had some teachers and GlaceBay friends visit. Her spirits are amazing."

Small-town generosity

Her aunt, Meagan Philpott,hasjoined in the fundraising effort as well.

Philpott said it is times like thiswhen she is proud to be from a small townlike GlaceBay.

"Coming from a small town has its downfalls ... but when something like this happens, the small-town mentality tends to be to rally around the family and be supportive and be wonderful. The giant hearts of everybody that is taking care of us it is just completely and utterly amazing."

MacArthur-Summerellsaid she's not surprised by the support, which she says has been totally unsolicited.

"That's what that family does for everybody else. That's karma."