Firefighters in Atlantic have organized a fundraising walk for a 5-year old Atlantic girl who is fighting metastatic colorectal cancer since her diagnosis last September. Riley Slauson’s cancer has spread and she is undergoing rounds of chemotherapy. A walk in her honor and will take place tomorrow (Sat., April 26th). Shawn Sarsfield, a 13-year veteran of the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department, has been following the girl’s saga on her Facebook page “Super Riley.” Sarsfield says he’s been captivated by her story.

Riley Slauson (from the Super Riley Facebook page)

He says the girl has put together a “Bucket list,” which includes a trip to Disneyworld with her family, and to become a firefighter. To make that part of her wish come true, the Atlantic Fire Department will make Riley an “Honorary firefighter.” The walk involves members of the Atlantic Fire and Rescue Department, Atlantic Police Department, Cass County Sheriffs and The Iowa State Patrol. Each of the participants will be wearing their respective uniforms. It takes place tomorrow (Sat., April 26th), from 8-a.m. to 5-p.m., beginning at the Atlantic Fire Station.

The walk will proceed east on 7th Street to Wal-Mart, around to Hospital Drive and onto 10th Street. The participants will then turn north onto Chestnut Street toward the downtown area, before winding their way back to the fire station. Afterward, Riley will be presented with her Honorary Fire fighter Shirt and Certificate.

Those wanting to help Riley’s parents with the medical and other expenses, can drop-off your pledges or donations at the Atlantic Fire Station on Saturday, from 8- to 5, or, leave donations with any of the walkers as they make their way through town tomorrow. There’s also an account set-up at Wells Fargo Bank in Atlantic. All the funds raised will be directed to Riley’s family.