By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The Columbiana community has surrounded Mollie Wilder of Fourmile and her family with God’s loving-kindness since she was diagnosed with brain cancer last fall. The physical, emotional and financial struggles have been intense but the support of family, friends and even strangers has been overwhelming.

In the words of her mother, Renee Wilder: “On August 27, 2013, the ‘normal’ life of the Scott Wilder household changed forever. Mollie was diagnosed with a stage 3 brain tumor called a Medullablastoma.  What should have been the beginning of her fifth-grade year in school became a journey and battle for her life that would change us forever.  I had owned and operated a licensed in-home childcare service for 16-plus years.

I would no longer be able to manage Mollie’s healthcare and the daycare, therefore closing my business the end of September.  Having a child diagnosed with cancer has taught us new things: Life is short and can change in an instant; make the most of everyday; cherish every moment; and make memories to last a lifetime. Not having my income has challenged Scott and me to be better stewards of what we are given by God. Family time is priceless!

God has had our family in his arms carrying us from the moment we received the news that she had a brain tumor.  He has not failed us, and we do not deserve any of what he has provided us with. Thanks are not enough to family and friends, some of whom we have never met; for all that they have done, from prayers, to financial donations, to meals….. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Sarah Walker, friends of mutual friends, has organized a benefit pageant June 21, 2014, at the Columbiana Community Center where all proceeds will benefit Mollie and her family. Registration is from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and the pageant will begin at 1 p.m. Boys and girls with all age divisions including adults are welcome. For info visit Facebook.com/MollieWilderBenefitPageant.