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Teen Cancer Patient Won't Have To Pay For Prom

DETROIT (WWJ) - A young cancer patient will get her wish to go to prom, thanks to some community support.

Maia Wright, a senior at Detroit's Renaissance High, was told by doctors in February that she had colon cancer.

But Wright didn't give up on her dance dream -- and her childhood friend, Walter Brockington IV, concocted a plant to cover the costs.

"I decided to start up a 'Go Fund Me' page for her so people can like, donate money," Brockington said.

fundraiser guys
Walter Brockington IV and Shawn Lee put together the fundraiser. (credit: Stephanie Davis/WWJ)

The student support then caught the eye of a Renaissance High Alum, professional photographer Shawn Lee.  Lee said that he was worried about Maia and decided to let his "entire network" know what was happening.

So far, "Operation Send Maia to the Prom" has raised over $1,500.

"The support has been tremendous and it's been great," said Maia's mother Jamilah Perkins, "And we are just so thankful that the children are stepping up to really help out and get this support for her."

Maia said she's very grateful. "It's really a nice, nice thing," she said, "It's a great thing actually."

In between chemotherapy sessions, she's thinking about a prom dress.

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