Community Corner

Sandcastle Dream Come True for Sick 3-Year-Old

While most of the sandcastle loving world had their attention pointed toward the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego this weekend for the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge, three-year-old Madeline Sutton came to Imperial Beach where volunteers made Dr. Seuss-themed sand sculptures especially for her.

Sutton was diagnosed with leukemia one year ago and as part of a vacation to San Diego arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, about 50 volunteers combined three of her favorite things: sand, the beach and Lorax.

The trip to Imperial Beach Saturday was part of a five-day vacation to San Diego for the three-year-old from Anaheim and her family. Sutton, her siblings, mom and grandma also made trips to Legoland and the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge this weekend.

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About 50 volunteers from the Imperial Beach Fire Department, Imperial Beach-South Bay Kiwanis Club, Mar Vista High School Key Club, Mar Vista High School Navy Junior ROTC and a Coronado High School student made the sculptures Saturday morning, said Shirley Nakawatase, who helps make sandcastle wishes come true for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Lorax's eyebrows were made of Swiffer dusters, his mustache from felt similar to a Santa Claus beard and eyes from cooking tablespoons.

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