Crusaders for a Cause, a local nonprofit group, presented the American Cancer Society with a check for $1,000 at the Palmerton borough park on Saturday.

"I'm always grateful to help the community," Crusaders for a Cause founder and President Christina Obrecht said."There was a lot of support during my hard times, so I always want to help the cancer society and the community."Obrecht was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 20 and given one year to live. She managed to beat the cancer, and attributes much of her success with support from friends and family."My daughter founded Crusaders for a Cause," Irene Obrecht said."She's a cancer survivor herself, so this is her way to give back to the community."Crusaders for a Cause contributes to several causes, including the police force.Obrecht's group will be donating another $1,000 to the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia in the near future as well."The American Cancer Society Telethon is very thankful for the contribution," said Judy Hoppes, community manager of special events for the society, accepting the check on behalf of her organization.When it comes to future plans, Obrecht is determined to keep up the good fight, and help those who have are suffering through a difficult time."We're going to keep doing what we're doing, and keep raising funds for causes like the cancer society," she said.