POST FALLS - When Debbie Salisbury learned that Justin, her 15-year-old son with cancer, was chosen to benefit from the 26th annual Shalena's Breakfast with Santa fundraiser, she said there was some hesitation.

"I was set against any fundraiser because I'm blessed to work for a good company that has good benefits, and I know that's not always the case for people," said Salisbury, an executive assistant at Transtector Systems in Hayden.

But after she learned about the tradition behind the event - named after Hauser Lake Fire Capt. Gary Mobbs' daughter Shalena who lost her battle with cancer - Salisbury had a change of heart.

"What a wonderful gift to keep her name going," Salisbury said. "It's amazing what it has done. When I read about the story of Shalena, I was encouraged they picked us to carry on her name and memorialize what she has been giving back.

"That's why I accepted their offer - to carry on her name and get more people to know what they do for the community."

Even with insurance, Justin's bills are piling up and will continue to do so for the next four years as he has chemotherapy treatments.

"I joke that the hospital owns our soul," Debbie said. "It's the day-to-day stuff - the prescriptions, gas, tutors, changes in diet - that adds up. This will help us amazingly."

The breakfast, which is Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hauser Lake Fire Station, is sponsored by the fire department.

Each year the breakfast helps alleviate medical bills and family financial distress of a local family with a child who has a serious illness.

Justin, a Post Falls High sophomore, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of cancer, just over a year ago. He enjoys hunting, swimming, fishing and helping at the Post Falls American Legion breakfast.

He said he's looking forward to attending the fundraiser with his mother and meeting the firemen behind the Hauser breakfast.

"I was excited to find out I was chosen," he said. "I think it's a good thing."

Justin said the cancer and treatments limited his outdoor activities for a while, "but then I got better."

He wants to attend Washington State University and pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.

Debbie said she has been proud of her son through the process.

"He stays positive and he's a great kid," she said.

Shalena's Breakfast

When: Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Hauser Lake Fire Station, 10728 N. Hauser Lake Road

Cost: suggested donation is $3 per person or $10 per family

Breakfast: sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs, coffee, juice

Benefit: for Justin Salisbury, a 15-year-old Post Falls boy with cancer

Other: fire auxiliary raffle items ($1 per ticket); photos with Santa; www.hauserfire.org