This Christmas will be one of mixed blessings for the Susko family of Jim Thorpe.

Anastasia (Ana) Susko, 7, was diagnosed with

D.I.P.G., a rare and serious pediatric brain cancer on Oct. 1. She has been given a 35 percent chance of survival for the next two years.Ana, a second grader at L.B. Morris Elementary in Jim Thorpe, wants to experience many things in her life and her family wants to allow her to do as many of these things as possible, from plane trips, roller coasters, hang gliding, swim with dolphins, and more.Her family and friends are trying to raise funds for alternative treatments, which have shown hope, as well as conventional treatments used to treat this illness, and to help her dreams come true.Monies raised will support the Susko family in the enormous expenses childhood cancer can take on, such as treatment, nursing, travel, medications, therapy, quality moments as well as planning for the future.This Saturday, Dec. 7, a daylong benefit at the Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 starting at noon with a basket raffle and bake sale.The Guardians of the Ribbon pink fire truck will be there between 1-3 p.m. along with Santa Claus and face painting.There will be dancing from 7-11 p.m. with the band Nightwind donating their talents for the evening. Food will also be available."Ana is a beautiful, smart and spunky little girl. She has an amazing family. Andy and Akantha are her wonderful parents. Her brother, Ian, is in 6th grade and Kayla is in college. They have truly touched our hearts. I wanted to do anything and everything to help them," says Lisa Dart, spokeswoman for the event.Andy Susko, Ana's father says, "We are confident our Ana will beat this, and we want her to live every day as happily and healthily as possible surrounded by infinite amounts of possibilities, love and support."Ana's radiation treatments have really made a difference in her symptoms. She has been to school for half days the last few weeks and is very active and close to her old self, says her father.The family celebrated what they were most thankful for on Thanksgiving ... the food that Ana helped them prepare, extended visits from her aunts, Alexa and Alyssa, and her grandparents, and the chance to be together with the entire Susko clan."It was a blessed day all around with family, food, and a smiling and happy Ana, with smiles and happiness extended to the whole family," her father said. "We are overwhelmed by the love and support of our community of Jim Thorpe. The out pouring of love with 5k runs, basket raffles, benefits, dinners, and more all from our little town is amazing. So many people have surrounded us and lifted us up and shared resources, time, and lots of yummy food. Everyone has been amazing, and we will never we able to thank them all enough."He added, "The people who are far away from us who have sent cards, gifts, and prayers are unbelievable."The family started a "gofundme" page where people can send donations, words of encouragement and prayers."We can't stress enough how grateful we are for everyone's love, and we will keep you all updated on Ana's progress," he said, "She is a wonderful and strong little girl! Here's to being '5 strong,'" which is how the Susko family refers to themselves.For more information, contact Lisa Dart at 570-406-0637 or

Lisadart1968@gmail.com.