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Elm Creek Christian
News Stories
Elm Creek Christian on the news
May 25, 2007
Bearing the Brunt of Breast Cancer"You have cancer." So many of us dread these very words. It's likely you or someone you know has had to bear the brunt of those words. One central Nebraska community pulls together to help a local resident get through it. Michelle Stephens is a leader, a volunteer and a pillar in the Elm Creek community. Michelle said, "I think it's important to be a part of a community. Getting involved is how you get to meet people." Peggy Porter is am Elm Creek resident. She said, "Michelle is a giving person. If you ask her to do something, she never says no." Then Michelle's life took a major turn. Two days after Christmas, the doctor called. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. The American Cancer Society shows it affects 1 in 8 women. It kills more women in the US than any other cancer besides lung cancer. Michelle was lucky to catch It early. "I'm 34 years old, I have 4 kids. I thought, this can't be happening to me. Why me?" Then chemo treatments began. "You get tired and drowsy. I get dry eyes and lips. Loosing my hair is the most noticeable." The medical bills continue to mount-up. "One shot to up my white count was over $3,900. I took two of them." Through it all, Michelle was determined not to let cancer get in the way. "One can't just stay in bed and mope," said Michelle. "Even on the days she's not feeling good she helps in any way that she can, " said Peggy Porter. The Elm Creek community is now giving back to someone who gives so much. "It's neat to see so many people do something to help one person." It's the first community consignment auction at the Village Hall. Donations are rolling in from Elm Creek residents and those in the surrounding area. "What better way to clean out your own home and at the same time help out Michelle." Michelle remembered, "When they told me, I cried." Neighbors have offered to babysit. The school sent words of encouragement. "I got wonderful cards. Some people bring supper when I have to go to get chemo." Michelle's daughter even showed her support by cutting her hair for Locks of Love. The road ahead will be tough but you can still find Michelle leading a local 4-H club or teaching Sunday School. "It gives me a chance to get out of the house, spend time with the kids and forget I have cancer for a while. It's a great place to be." Donations are still needed for the auction. You have one week to get them in before the bill of sale is printed. The consignment Auction is June 16th at 10 a.m. at the Elm Creek Village Center. Call Peggy Porter if you are interested to donate 308-856-4581. There's a 10% consignment rate.
For more information click on Community Correspondent. Small Town Values
Tom Swartley
A local Mom who volunteers at Church and 4-H was diagnosed with cancer. After three surgeries she now endures treatments, cares for her family (including four children), and still teaches Sunday School, Awana, and 4-H. Realizing the financial burden of surgeries and treatment, Michelle's Church family set out to organize a benefit auction. Calls were made and once again the community responded. The city donated the use of the Village Hall, a local auctioneer will donate his professional talent, and many individuals are volunteering to help on the day of the sale. A lunch stand and bake sale are being arranged on the sale day, all to benefit Michelle's family. The auction will be at 10AM June 16th at the Elm Creek Village Hall (535 W. Boyd Ave). Items large or small can be consigned or donated outright. Sell your antiques, collectables, firearms, farm impliments, or anything else of value. The consignment rate is a flat 10% and the sale bill goes to print on June 1st (call now). Peg Porter is taking the consignments at 308-856-4581.
Sometimes in life you come across something and you know it is the right thing to do. This is one of those times. |
