The second annual “Taking Care of Paws – Sasha’s Way” celebration on Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon will help pets, entertain the children and a blood drive by LifeSouth. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The second annual “Taking Care of Paws – Sasha’s Way” celebration on Aug. 15 will help pets, entertain the children, and allow adults to donate blood.

The event commemorates the birthday of Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Dison. Sasha died in 2014 from Stage 4 rhabdomayosarcoma, a cancer of the connective tissue.

For her last birthdays, Sasha started a tradition of declining gifts for herself and encouraging friends to bring cat and dog food to distribute to needy animals. A collection point will be set up at Kid’s Kingdom for guests to drop off their birthday ‘gifts’ for the animals.

As a result, the “Taking Care of Paws – Sasha’s Way” campaign was founded. Sasha’s parents are Jonathan and Larissa Dison.

On Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, the celebration will include games for children, face painting, water balloon toss, a food truck and more attractions.

In addition, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will conduct a blood drive from 9 to 11 a.m., also at Kids Kingdom.

“LifeSouth donors will receive a recognition item and be entered into a drawing for a movie basket of goodies,” Victoria Bell said. Bell works as District Community Development Coordinator at LifeSouth.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old. Sixteen-year-olds in good health can donate with parental permission and if the individual weighs at least 110 pounds. A photo ID also is required.

For more information about the blood drive, call 256-533-8201, email to vlbell@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.

For more information about Sasha, visit sashasway.org or Facebook/Sasha’s Way.