One way to flush cancer

Published 8:19 am Friday, April 9, 2010

A hot pink toilet showing up in Drewryville yards is the talk of the town.

A team of six women that plans to participate in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk from Oct. 8-10 in Washington, D.C., is using the toilet to raise $13,800. For a minimum $20 donation, a person can have the pink potty placed in someone’s yard.

“It’s been working well,” said Katie Cobb of Drewryville, who plans to participate in the 60-mile walk with Rhonda Harrup of Joyner, June Steele of Portsmouth, Wesanne Cheek of Virginia Beach, Julia Owens of Courtland and Wendy Robdins of Cincinnati.

Katie had the toilet in her shed and planned to use it for an outdoor bathroom. She instead spray-painted in pink for the fundraiser.

People who have the toilet placed in their yard will receive a self-addressed, stamped envelope to nominate the next recipient. A sign that reads “Cancer stinks” and “Flush Cancer” is also put in yards.

The team has raised $1,080 so far and plans to host a cornhole tournament, a barbecue and a booth at the Southampton County Fair.

For information, Katie can be reached at 641-8600.

Katie is undertaking another good deed.

On April 16, she will host a picnic on her farm for 30 kindergartners from Capron Elementary and 16 residents from East Pavilion nursing home at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

“We are planning on doing intergenerational activities that pairs seniors with the kids,” she said.

■ A photo of siblings Audrey, 2, and Jackson Peters, 3, won the inaugural Easter portrait contest sponsored by Images by Amy Photography in Wakefield.

Multiple attempts were made to capture the “kissing photo.”

In the first eight attempts, Jackson placed Audrey in a choke-hold by hugging her tight around her neck.

Despite all the choke-holds, Audrey continued to lean into him for a kiss and a hug.

The children’s parents are Dan and Alison Peters of Chesapeake. Alison grew up in Ivor and graduated from Southampton High School in 1998. Her husband is an F-18 Navy pilot.

The siblings’ grandparents are Lannie and Linda Chitwood of Ivor and John and Agnes Peters of Carrolltown, Pa.

Eleven families entered their children in the contest and votes were cast on the social networking Web site Facebook.

“I was amazed at the results,” said Amy Carroll, owner of Images by Amy Photography. “It was interesting to see which ones they were voting for.”

Only one vote was allowed per person. There were a total of 403 votes, with 201 going to the Peters children, who will receive an 11- by 14-inch canvas of the photo.