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11-Year-Old Pays Tribute To Cancer-Stricken Mother With 'Quilt For A Cure'

FOUNTAIN VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — An 11-year-old girl is stitching together a tribute to her mother as she battles breast cancer in a bid to raise money for a cure.

Emma Manetta, who was recently crowned Junior Miss Southern California, is on a mission to support patients undergoing treatment at The MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Memorial in Fountain Valley, where her mother, Shawna, receives care.

She's sewing a quilt to honor and encourage cancer survivors, and hopes to raise $12,000.

"My mom has been coming here for six years now," Emma said. "I decided to give back to them because they've helped keep her alive."

Once it's complete in December, the quilt will hang in the hospital.

Shawna Manetta, its inspiration, says her motto is to appreciate every day.

"I always say it's OK that we can cry for a little bit, but we're not going to keep it going," she said. "You know, we'll cry, get it out and then move on. I don't want to live with people looking at me and pitying me. It's about living, not waiting to die."

For more information on how you can get involved in the fight against breast cancer, click here.

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