Bake sale fundraiser to help local girl with cancer

A bake sale fundraiser will be held on Jan. 16 at Park Hills River Mart from noon to 6 p.m. to help Central student, 12-year-old Katelyn Stacy.

Katelyn was diagnosed over Christmas break with B Cell Lymphoma, which is in the leukemia family. Close family friend Amanda Strange said at first they thought it would be an easy treatment, but that was until the PET scan came back.

“They were telling her at first it would only be nine weeks of chemotherapy,” said Strange. “But then the PET scan showed that the cancer is in her spine, knee, hip, and in the bone marrow on the left side. They had to put three chemo ports in and has already done her first treatment at Children’s. Fortunately they found it in the early stages and she has a 90 percent chance of being cured, but they are saying now that it will take at least nine months of chemotherapy.”

After Katelyn’s first treatment last week they had to stay at a family member’s house close to the hospital because they had to keep a close eye for several different symptoms that could emerge and Katelyn would need to return to the hospital immediately.

“So far she still has high spirits,” said Strange. “The doctors said if Katelyn does well and doesn’t get to sick with the chemo they will let her continue doing it outpatient. She has treatments twice a week.”

There will be a raffle in addition to the bake sale. They have a basket donated by Chip and Debbie Peterson, owners of Cici’s Pizza, gas gift cards, an Avon basket, a half off shoulder mount and more.

Strange said there will be wide variety of baked goods and there is something for everyone. They will be set up outside and hoping for a bit of warmer weather that day. There has also been a GoFundMe account titled, “Let’s help Katelyn” set up to help offset some of the medical expenses and travel costs.

Anyone who wishes to help or donate items for the raffle can contact Strange at 573-664-4817.

Park Hills Central student 12-year-old Katelyn Stacy is expected to go through nine months of chemotherapy treatment after a recent diagnosis B Cell Lymphoma in her spine, knee, hip, and in the bone marrow on the left side.

Renee Bronaugh is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3617 or rbronaugh@dailyjournalonline.com