The Ramirez family has made an annual tradition of attending the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade, but this year you will see them participate in a whole new way. Sevastopol third-grader Lucia Ramirez is the guest of honor and the main recipient of the charitable component of this year’s parade. Lucia was only in second grade when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After her diagnosis was changed from standard to high risk, she has gone through months of intense chemotherapy, steroids, lumbar punctures, and bone marrow tests, while also suffering from infections and low immune counts.

She has also become a mini-celebrity on the peninsula, with people checking in on her to see how she is doing. Efforts by local businesses like Door County Candle and Nicolet National Bank, and organizations like the Sevastopol boys’ basketball team and the Barney Fun Run, have raised thousands of dollars for the family. The intense nature of Lucia’s treatments forced her mother, Melanie, to leave her job at Nicolet National Bank to care not only for Lucia but for her six other children. It is a lot for the family to manage, but they continue to be grateful for the support they have received.

Bucket collections for the Ramirez family will take place during the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. in the heart of Jacksonport. If you would like to participate in the parade rather than just watch it, you are encouraged to line up by 10 a.m.