For the second year in a row 13-year-old Mackena Murray has painted pumpkins pink and is raising money for a cause that is close to her heart. With the help from volunteers, the Midland teen has painted and is selling 240 pink pumpkins, with all of the proceeds going towards the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre in Penetanguishene. “If you go downtown there are probably 100 pumpkins, you can’t miss them,” said Mackena. “We get absolutely no ministry or government funding,” said executive director Christine Forsyth. “So people like Mackena help keep our doors opened.” Last year, Mackena started selling the pink pumpkins after her mother Jackie was undergoing cancer treatment. “It can be difficult, but you just have to stay positive and that’s all you can do,” said Mackena. “When you got a cheerleader on your side, you can only stand back and say ok let’s does this,” said Mackena’s mom Jackie Murray. Mackena raised $1,600 last year and helped Jennifer O’Shea who is battling cancer pay for custom made crutches and footwear. “I was blown away that she wanted to do something selfless for someone who she really just met,” said O’Shea. So far, Mackena has raised more than $2,400.
