A Hoisington family’s continuing effort to raise attention and funding for the fight against one of the dread diseases of our time was honored by the Barton County Commission this week.
The commissioners approved recognizing the Reif family for its efforts to address cancer in Barton County.
According to information from the county: “In September of 1994, 11-year-old Sarah and 8-year-old Shane Reif of Hoisington, began collecting aluminum cans to help with the medical expenses of their 10-month-old cousin, Katie. 
“In March of 1996, the Reifs formalized their efforts creating the Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation, a non-profit (organization) dedicated to assisting children in Barton County, who are living with cancer.”
The effort has had great results and has had a huge impact on families from across the county, the county’s proclamation noted. 
“Since that time, Kans for Kids has raised more than $500,000, touching the lives of 25 children and their families, including seven families in Hoisington, 14 in Great Bend and three in Ellinwood.”
It was added that the Reifs have also established the foundation so that the work will not stop with them and so that those in need will continue to have help, fighting cancer.
In honor of them, the proclamation notes: “At this time, the commission will consider the adoption of Proclamation 2011-06, declaring September, 2011, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and urging citizens to acknowledge the substantial contribution that the Reifs have made to the community.”