Dine at Nick's, Help Save an Ashburn Mom's Life

Looking for a great way to kick off your Spring Break? Have some fun and help support an Ashburn mother’s fight against cancer by stopping by at the Brambleton Town Center Saturday, March 31, for dinner or drinks, and live music.

The Spring Break “FUNdraiser" Celebration begins at 6 p.m. and benefits Malea Kanoho, a 37-year-old Ashburn mother of four who has stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Kanoho’s treatments cost $1,800 to $2,700 a week, and her health insurance does not cover the treatments.

Jason Kanoho, Malea’s husband, said the family exhausted their personal savings to help fund Malea’s treatments. Now, they must rely on monthly fundraisers to continue her fight.

“We ran out of money last month,” Jason said. “Without the generosity and kindness of people in the local community, we would not be able to continue her treatments … Of course, no words can express how grateful we are for all those who have been so kind and generous to help us.”

Malea has at least four more weeks of treatment before she will find out if her tumors have shrunk. If the tumors have decreased in size, Malea can scale back her treatments from a weekly to a monthly basis, her husband said.        

A percentage of Nick’s total sales will be donated to Malea’s cause. So forget about slaving over a hot stove and come to Brambleton for dinner on Saturday. Can’t make it for dinner? Stop by for drinks and music. Buy a specialty drink in a take-home glass to support Malea’s cause, including the Malea “causemopolitan” and the “chemo” shot.

Buy a raffle ticket and you could go home with a new Fender electric guitar or a pot of cash from the 50-50 raffle. Some other great raffle prizes will include gift certificates from local businesses, such as Giant Food (, , ), , and . You can also buy beautiful, handmade jewelry, and “Team Malea” bracelets and T-shirts.

Jason’s band, Island Tyme takes the stage at 9 p.m.

Eviania Davey, general manager of Nick’s Corner Grill, said when she heard the Kanohos’ story she wanted to help.

“I automatically felt that if there is any way I could help this family that I would love to do so,” she said, urging the community head out and support the Kanohos. “Please come and support Malea and her family as she continues her battle. Cancer is so common, and it could affect anyone. If you are already out for a fun night, make it matter.”

For more information on Malea’s story, to make a donation, or to learn about future fundraisers or how you can help save a life, please visit http://savemalea.org/.