Barbara Strong, of Rock Hill, NY was January's Sweetwater Clifton "City Spirit" Award recipient for establishing the Allyson Whitney Foundation - a non-profit organization that empowers and fights for the interests of young adults with rare cancers. After losing her 25-year-old daughter Allyson to a long battle of small cell cervical cancer, Barbara wanted to turn her daughter's dream of helping others into a reality. With the support of family and friends, Barbara was able to start the foundation and raise money for the cause through events and donations. The Allyson Whitney 5k Walk/Run is the organization's biggest success, raising over $70,000 that included over 800 participants.
Barbara accepted the award presented by Knicks Legend John Starks at center court of Madison Square Garden at the Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets match up. The award money will go to the Allyson Whitney Foundation to improve the quality of life and provide emotional support for young patients.
