7-year-old cancer patient's donation jar stolen for second time

SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ - For the second time in less than a month, thieves snatched a donation jar used to help raise money for a 7-year-old who is battling cancer.

Dakota Clark was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in May. Since then, her family has used donation jars, set up at several Walgreens, to help raise money for her treatment.

“It’s a huge help for her medicine,” said mother Kimberly Clark.

Thieves stole one of the donation jars last month, and then struck again last week, stealing another jar at the Walgreens near Hunt Highway and Bella Vista Road.

“The first time I was just upset,” Kimberly said. “This time, I’m more angry. ”

The family said the jars bring in less than $100 a week, but that helps put a dent in the $75,000 worth of medical bills they have to pay. Each jar is marked with Dakota’s picture, signaling those who in the community the money is strictly to help her battle cancer.

“I just don’t understand what would ever give anybody an idea to steal from a child,” said Jason Clark, Dakota’s father.

The family has set up a website to help bring in more donations, but said it’s a significant loss to have thieves steal two of the jars.

“It’s being taken away from food, gas money to get back and forth to the hospital, anything that we need to afford for Dakota’s care,” Kimberly said.

If you have any information on this case, you are urged to call police.