Community Corner

Woburn Eighth Grader Raises Money for Winchester Hospital

Janessa DeCata held a yard sale and gave all the proceeds to Winchester Hospital's cancer center.

Thirteen-year-old Janessa DeCata of Woburn was so thankful for her grandfather’s recovery at last summer that she held two yards sales and donated $200 in proceeds to Winchester Hospital’s at 620 Washington St.

Janessa, an honor student in the eighth grade at Kennedy Middle School in Woburn, enjoyed the experience so much that she repeated it this year. She raised $250 at her yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Janessa sat with a homemade sign declaring “Yard sale for cancer!” and if someone drove by, she was quick to yell, “All donations accepted!” to entice them to turn around. She and her grandmother, Irene DeCata, also wore sombreros and other large hats to attract attention.

Find out what's happening in Winchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Irene, Janessa began planning for the yard sale soon after last year’s ended. “Every time I went to get rid of something, Janessa said, ‘No, save it for the yard sale,’” Irene said. “She’s usually shy, but for this, she’s been turning the house upside down.”

Neighbors also donated items to the sale, which included clothes, shoes, purses, games, toys, appliances, dishware, housewares, never-used make-up and other brand new goods. One woman purchased a crystal lamp for $5, only to return from her car with an additional $15 donation. When Irene thanked another woman for a $20 donation, she replied, “No, thank you. I’m a cancer survivor.”

Find out what's happening in Winchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many people told Janessa that members of their families had cancer. She can relate, as both of her grandparents are cancer survivors. However, one former classmate and several family friends haven’t been so fortunate.

Janessa said she plans to continue her fundraising efforts for many years to come.

“I forgot to give out the ribbons,” said Janessa, who made pink ribbons symbolizing breast cancer and orange ribbons symbolizing skin cancer. “I hope I can do another yard sale next summer and raise even more money.”

Gynecologic oncologist Arlan Fuller Jr., MD, clinical vice president for the integration of oncology services and academic affiliations, said it was his pleasure to accept Janessa’s donation on behalf of Winchester Hospital.

“Janessa is a remarkable young woman,” said Dr. Fuller. “Her compassion and generosity are examples for us all. It is an honor to accept her contribution on behalf of our patients who benefit from the support of our community.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here