Brenner, 18, was driven in a limousine Friday afternoon from his Erlanger home to Pep Boys in Florence, where he was able to spend the money on anything in the automotive store.

The shopping spree was courtesy of Kids Wish Network, a national organization that grants wishes to people with life-threatening illnesses.

Brenner was diagnosed in March with a rare cancer, known as primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney. An 8-pound tumor was removed by a team of 20 doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

The Dixie Heights High School graduate is undergoing chemotherapy treatments that put him in the hospital for three to five days every three weeks.

"I'm feeling pretty good," said Brenner. "So far, it's looking good. It hasn't come back."

"It's a miracle, as large as the tumor was," added his mother, Nancy Spivey.

The tumor stunned Brenner, an otherwise healthy kid who was a good student and active in sports growing up. His plans to study engineering at Northern Kentucky University this fall have been put on hold, but he hopes to enroll next year once his treatments are finished.

School building firms hired

Two local construction companies are partnering with Winton Hills Academy, 5300 Winneste Ave., Winton Terrace, on construction of the New Winton Hills Academy.

Officials from Dugan & Meyers and Richard Construction said they support building the community, employment opportunities and education. The academy is to open in spring 2005.

The two companies held a special event Thursday and passed out trick-or-treat bags containing candy and school supplies to the youth in the area.

"Richard Construction and Dugan & Meyers Construction companies are touching the lives of our children which demonstrates their commitment to building relationships within the community,'' said Christina Russo, principal of Winton Hills Academy. "We are also very pleased about our new building. Having the opportunity to create not only a school, but a true community caring center is very exciting.''

Group helps foster kids

Members of American Heritage Girls, working through the group's Heritage Girls United Giving Service program, collected donations and made blankets for children in foster care as part of National Make a Difference Day on Oct. 23.

The members were outside Wal-Mart stores accepting donations, such as toys, books, cosmetics and clothing, to put in duffel bags for children going into foster care. Some held gatherings to make blankets for the children.

GIVING BACK: Donors recognized

Twenty-two blood and platelet donors received awards for reaching donation milestones Oct. 6-19.

They were honored recently by the Hoxworth Blood Center.

Leading the list was Charles D. Bryan of Delhi Township with 26 gallons. Others recognized:

Ralph B. Vanderman, Westwood, 25 gallons; Daniel E. Baker, Harrison, 23 gallons; Ronald J. Newcomb, Bridgetown, 18 gallons; Larry D. Henry, Montgomery, 17 gallons; and Tina A. Wuorinen, Finneytown, 16 gallons.

Kevin P. Streckfuss, North Bend; Michael C. Norris, Colerain Township; Klaus P. Birk, Miami Township, Hamilton County, and Gerald R. Ayer, Anderson Township, 14 gallons.

Lawrence P. Bohart, Mount Carmel, 13 gallons.

John R. Snape, Cheviot; Eli E. Shupe, Hamilton; and Charles F. Geis, Blue Ash, 12 gallons.

Michael J. Woeste, Sedamsville; Karen L. Talmage, Greenhills; Robert M. Camery, Pierce Township; and Judith I. Aisenbrey, Bridgetown, 11 gallons.

Nancy F. Benson, Batavia; Patricia A. Brichler, Guilford, Ind.; Edwin J. Kohrs, Bellevue, and Richard C. Hadden, Colerain Township, 10 gallons.