More than 500 show for #MakandaStrong

Just over three weeks ago, life took drastic turn for the family of 10-year-old Makanda Williams of Ewing. That was the day her parents, Sarah and John Carlton, were told by doctors that Makanda was very ill.
She was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a very aggressive and rare childhood brain cancer that strikes children between the ages of 3 and 10.
There is no cure. The survival rate for children with this particular tumor is about one percent.
"Why her?" asked Sarah, who said her emotions have run the gambit from hurt to sad to scared to angry.
That's a question that many who know her have asked, including Kristin Ing, the principal and superintendent at Makanda's school.
"Makanda is very bubbly, upbeat, and full of life," Ing said. "She is eager to be engaged and social with the other kids."
Ing said Makanda, who has helped watch over Ing's 1-year-old during ball practices, is always eager to help others.
On Sunday, nearly 500 community members, family, and friends showed up at the Benton Eagles Club to give back to the little girl who gives to others.
The benefit included a barbecue lunch and musical entertainment by Taylor and Caleb Kearney as well as multiple raffle drawings, a silent auction, and a live auction with guest host Jim Muir.
Muir said he was honored to help.
"Despite the negativity and division we see in many aspects of life these days I am still a strong believer in the overall goodness and generosity of people -- especially people here in Southern Illinois," he said.
Monetary donations can be made to the Medical Fund for Makanda Williams at the State Bank of Whittington.