Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- A regularly scheduled swim meet in the Morning View subdivision of Suwanee turned orange on Thursday night in an effort to fight childhood cancer.

"It was like a sea of orange," said organizer Kim Boone, whose daughter is one of three children in the neighborhood who have been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

The swim team's meet against Hamilton Mill raised at least $900 through sales of T-shirts, bracelets, baked goods and a raffle to raise money to fight leukemia, Boone said. Swim coaches also performed stunts in the pool to generate extra money for the cause. The event was an "orange out" because orange is the official color of leukemia.

Boone said proceeds collected will go to CURE, a nonprofit cancer research foundation dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancer.

Boone said items for sale were stacked high on three tables, and 50 T-shirts sold out in less than an hour at a practice swim earlier on Thursday.

"The support has been incredible," Boone said.

On Friday, the American Red Cross held a blood drive at the neighborhood clubhouse, and turnout created a waiting list in less than an hour, as 12 people at a time gave blood.

Abby Boone, 9, was diagnosed when she was 8, while Cole Carter, 11, was diagnosed at 5, and Elena Tate, 13, was diagnosed three years ago, and suffered a relapse in February.