Community rallies around Penguin Cafe owners

Sabrina said they haven't told William about the specifics of his diagnosis yet, but he knows he has a form of cancer. He's being treated at the Children's Hospital of Orange County and his parents are hopeful he will recover.

The standard treatment is six weeks of radiation. When radiation is complete, the only other options are holistic or alternative treatments, such as clinical studies.

"We figure that the medical industry makes leaps and bounds on a regular basis," she said. "We're taking the first step in what is going to be a really long journey. We hope it's a long journey; it means we'll be together."

Sabrina said she hasn't even considered the medical costs and the fact that they don't have medical insurance.

"I'm absolutely clueless," she said.

At this point, she said she's just living in the moment and doing the most she can for her son.

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Fundraiser for William

On Wednesday, Fontenot hollered thank you at customers as they placed cash in the donation box nestled above the penguin statue on the front counter.

Fontenot said a customer set it up and people have been dropping spare change, bills — some people drop envelopes.

Jim Skelton, a 15-year regular of the Penguin Cafe, sits in the same counter spot "almost" every time.

"Best ocean-view seat in town," he said, as he points to the glimmer of water visible through the kitchen.

He estimates he eats his signature dish — beans, sausage and two over-medium eggs — three times a week when he's in town.

"It's a very emotional time," he said. "Hopefully we can help them get through it."

A young boy approached the donation box after his breakfast, hoisting himself on a counter seat to reach the slot. "We'll be back!" his mother called out behind him.

A fundraiser is planned for the family at Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 to raise money for medical bills.

joanna.clay@latimes.com

Twitter: @joannaclay

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If You Go

What: A fundraiser for cancer treatment for William, the son of Penguin Cafe owners Michael and Sabrina McMurray

When: 6 p.m., Aug. 14

Where: Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach

For more information: Visit http://www.ourlil.com/william