The Carbon County Community Foundation and the family of the late Ana Susko will host a virtual event on Wednesday to raise funds and awareness for the Anastasia Susko Memorial Scholarship. Ana Susko was a beautiful, confident, feisty little girl who lived fearlessly and compassionately.

At age 7, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a brainstem tumor called DIPG that took her life at age 8 in 2014. The scholarship established in her name benefits female students from Jim Thorpe who are pursuing higher education opportunities.

On Wednesday, friends and supporters are encouraged to take time during the day to do something that brings them joy, whether it’s taking a hike, working on a craft project, or just catching up with a friend over the phone. Whatever they decide to do, they can share their joy by posting on social media using the hashtag #AnaSuskoMemorialFund. For those looking for an organized gathering, scheduled events will take place throughout the day, including virtual yoga with Maya Kowalcyk, former owner of Jim Thorpe Yoga and a guided breathing exercise.

Sessions will be hosted via Zoom and livestreamed on the Take a Pause Facebook event page.

The fundraiser will culminate with a livestreamed open-mic style concert featuring 15-minute performances by local artists, including Josh Finsel, Patrick McGeehan, Doug Makofka, Lyle K Mantz, Brett Andrew, Matt Filer, Shawn McCarty, Daisy McCarty and Russ Mehnert. Watch the concert safely from home on the Wild Elder Wine & Cider Company’s Facebook page.

“We’re honoring our little girl and raising funds for the Anastasia Susko Memorial Scholarship by creating a day for positivity and joy. Of course, that had to include live music!” said Aki Susko, Ana’s mother. “We hope you’ll join us in whichever way will bring you joy. If you’re able to make a financial contribution, know your support makes an impact in the life of a community member receiving the scholarship and helps continue Ana’s memory.”

Each year, the fund provides a one-year, nonrenewable $1,500 scholarship awarded to any qualified graduating female high school senior (or home-schooled student who has a state-recognized graduation certificate/diploma) residing in Jim Thorpe.

Erin Shigo received the scholarship in 2016. She graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2020 and is currently working as a research coordinator with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

“Being a recipient of the Anastasia Susko Memorial Scholarship was a great honor and meant a lot to me,” Shigo said. “It took away the stress that comes with being a first-year student, including book fees and purchasing a computer. It made me feel extremely grateful and lucky to know that my community supported me and my future endeavors. Not to mention that I got to be a part of carrying on the legacy of an incredibly beautiful little girl.”

To learn more about the virtual event or to contribute to the Ana Susko Memorial Fund, visit the Carbon County Community Foundation website at www.cccfoundpa.org.

The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2015 with the mission to improve the quality of life for residents of the Carbon County region, now and forever. The Foundation exists to simultaneously be a philanthropic leader, a community resource, and a financial steward. Carbon County Community Foundation’s role in charitable giving is to help donors realize their goals today and in the future; to improve the capacity of nonprofits to meet vital needs through grants and workshops; to facilitate opportunities for collaboration and innovation; to build resources and strengthen our community, forever. Learn more about CCCF at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 855-545-1311.