During the 2012 fiscal year, 33 children from Douglas County were treated for cancer at Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics. Michelle Derusseau, founder of Rock’n Bowl, hopes to raise awareness of that number and funds for both Children’s Mercy Cancer Center and Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, a local children’s cancer charity, during the annual Rock’n Bowl event planned for July 13 at Royal Crest Lanes, at 933 Iowa St.

The cosmic bowling event was started last year in an effort to help local cancer patients. Derusseau said the event concentrates on children’s cancer because of the complications that go along with it.

“The recurrence rate (of cancer in children) is really high,” she said. “At least 65 percent later in life will have chronic health issues from the treatments they went through (during cancer).”

Because children’s cancer is different than cancer found in adults, children are unable to be treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, which is why the money will be donated to Children’s Mercy.

“That is the local children’s cancer center,” Derusseau said. “These kids don’t have any choice where they can go.”

The cost of commuting and financial burden from hospital bills can become astronomical, Derusseau said, and Rock’n Bowl is a fun way to help local parents trim those costs. The event costs $33 for adults, to represent the 33 Douglas County children who were treated for cancer this year. Children 14 and younger cost $15. The cost is tax deductible and includes pizza and drinks, shoes and two hours of bowling.

The event will be cosmic bowling as well as a head pin challenge, where if bowlers knock down a specific colored pin, they get to spin a wheel to win a prize. There will also be a silent auction sponsored by locally owned businesses.

Derusseau said Rock’n Bowl is a good activity for the summertime because participants don’t have to worry about weather and don’t have to have experience bowling.

“It’s hot in July so it’s in a nice, cool bowling alley,” Derusseau said. “You don’t have to be good at it to participate.”

Rock’n Bowl raised $10,500 last year, and the goal for this year is to raise at least that much.

Guests can attend Rock’n Bowl from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 13. Tickets are available at the door or online. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit lawrencerocknbowl.com.