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Girls have fun for a good cause
0510relay
Dr. Keith Aldridge, dressed as a cheerleader, sings a version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" on Friday during a Relay for Life fundraiser. - photo by Tom Reed

The Longstreet Clinic held its third annual fundraiser for Relay for Life Friday with a cook out and guest appearance from a pediatrics doctor who dressed as a cheerleader and sang "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"

Dr. Keith Aldridge of The Longstreet Clinic dressed up with the help of Ashley Aumann, RMA for pediatrics.

Aldridge’s outfit included a traditional cheerleading skirt, a shirt emblazoned with Relay for Life, a red wig with a big blue bow and make-up.

Aldridge said he was happy to do it after last year’s doctor shaved his legs for the fundraiser.

"It’s uncomfortable," Aldridge admitted, "but I don’t want to shave my legs."

Jennifer Lafond coordinated and volunteered at the event serving plates of food for $5. The plates included two hamburgers or two hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, beans, a drink, a cookie and of course a performance.

Last year, the event raised about $1,200.

"We’re well on our way to exceeding that," Lafond said.

Lafond, who works in the cancer center and has a grandfather with cancer, admitted that the fundraiser was personal for her.

Every year, The Longstreet Clinic has teamed up with Home Medical Professionals Inc. of Gainesville to hold the event.

Chris Kennedy, president of Home Medical, bought the food and prepared it with a team of volunteers.

"We are very involved with the (American) Cancer Society and this is a simple way for us to help a lot of people," Kennedy said.

Home Medical does residential work installing durable medical equipment.

"We see first-hand cancer patients all the time in all conditions. Cancer knows no bounds," Kennedy said.

The diagnostic clinic will also hold a fundraiser for the same cause next Friday with Home Medical.

The Relay for Life Race will take place from 7 p.m. May 30 until 7 the next morning on the track at Flowery Branch High School. Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society.