Thousands are expected to brave the cold for the 86th annual holiday tree lighting in West Reading, and to remember Laney Brown.
A well-known landmark will be dedicated in honor of the little girl who united the community before she lost her battle with cancer last Christmas.
Peace and hope are two words surrounding the special dedication. Crews spent Monday sprucing up the traffic circle between Reading Avenue and Buttonwood Street before it's renamed in Laney's memory.
"It's incredible to see the support this particular young girl was able to garner through her courage in the time she had this illness," said Mayor Valentin Rodriguez, West Reading.
Some $19,000 has been raised to make the project a reality. A stone with Laney's name on it will sit inside the circle next to a special project Laney's dad has been working on. The project is filled with personal touches Laney would have loved and will be revealed in front of about 3,000 people.
"There will also be street signs that will be listed so everyone will know that the circle is called Delaney's Circle and no longer known as the traffic circle," said Helen Moyer, the recreation coordinator for the borough.
Laney lost her 7-month battle with leukemia on Christmas Day last year. The community rallied behind the 8-year-old fashionista to fulfill one of her last wishes, which was to hear Christmas carolers.
"She really did bring the community together along with everyone else," said Moyer.
Now, Laney is being remembered again. The Christmas tree is filled with ornaments representing pediatric cancer. Gloves symbolize patients still fighting and pink wings for those who lost their battle.
"It's going to be the biggest event the borough has seen since a year ago when this all happened," said Moyer.
The dedication will feature singing and performances. It is set to start at 6 p.m.
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