Jennifer Denton, a resident of Lincoln University, Pa., is a breast cancer survivor.

Nine years ago, her son, Kyle, watched her go through chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The boy, who was eight years old at the time, told his parents that he wanted to raise money for the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research because he didn't want any other mother to go through what his own mother had experienced. Kyle decided that he wanted to hold an event in the family's backyard where carnival games would be set up to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Jennifer recalled during an interview this week that at first she believed the idea to hold a fundraiser was the fleeting thought of an eight-year-old.

But Kyle was persistent. He insisted that the family give it a try. So they did, and they managed to raise much more than they expected for the cause.

The backyard carnival has now been held for eight straight years, and Kyle is just as persistent as ever. The Avon Grove High School student has raised close to $15,000 for cancer research through the years.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to the carnival-style games, there will be plenty of raffles to enter. Various businesses in the community have generously donated prizes for the event. Paradocx Vineyards, for example, is offering wine-tasting for two, while Longwood Gardens is offering tickets. Eldreth Pottery has donated a 2015 edition Santa. Saladworks, Applebees, Giant, Acme, and other businesses have donated gift cards for the raffles. Herr Foods has offered a basket of snacks to be raffled off.

Jennifer said that local businesses have been very helpful and supportive as the family tries to make each year's event a little bigger than the last. In 2014, the event raised about $3,100.

She said that she's very proud of the fact that her son has been so persistent about helping others.

All of the money raised during the backyard carnival is donated to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.

The backyard carnival will be held at 102 McCormick Way in Lincoln University, Pa.