![]( "Cassie Anderson")
Caro teen has allies in her war on cancer
By Bill Petzold
Editor
CARO — Caro teenager Cassie Anderson is battling cancer, but she won’t have to fight alone.
A benefit is planned for this Saturday to help the 16-year-old Caro girl in her battle against ovarian cancer. Cassie was diagnosed with the disease two months ago and already has endured a surgery, chemotherapy and hair loss.
The medical bills have been piling up, so Cassie’s friends, family and a number of local businesses are stepping up to help out.
The Caro Moose Family Center, 1366 East Caro Road, will donate the use of its facilities for a benefit from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Events will include a spaghetti dinner, 50/50 raffle, Random Selection draws and a performance by the Midnight Blue band. The benefit is hosted by Keleigh Thorton, Shauna McLemore and Midnight Blue.
Go to Midnight Blue’s webpage (midnightbluelive.com) and click on “Cassie Anderson Benefit” and you’ll see an extensive list of those individuals and businesses who have pitched in or donated items.
For the Random Select drawing, guests purchase tickets for $5 each and place them into the container marked for the donated item they hope to win. All proceeds from the event go to the family.
Deb Milot of Midnight Blue said she heard about Cassie’s predicament because her youngest daughter Keleigh works with Cassie’s sister. Keleigh wanted to help the Anderson family, explained the situation to her mom and asked her if Midnight Blue would perform for free. Milot said Midnight Blue has been using its contacts to help get the word out about the benefit.
Milot said she has been working on the benefit for three weeks, but finally had the opportunity to meet Cassie for the first time Monday.
“We visited her at her home,” Milot said. “They’re not fancy people or anything, and I can imagine with the medical bills climbing it has to be a heavy burden. Our biggest goal is to just have a nice evening and to let Cassie know that people out there that she doesn’t even know care about her and we’re here to help her.”
Milot said Cassie had complained of pains in her side October 17 and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer the same day. In a short time the family’s world was turned upside down by the sudden diagnosis.
“She’s very thin and you can tell she’s weak, but I admire her strength and the strength of her family,” Milot said.
A news segment about Cassie and the benefit appeared on ABC 12 on Monday evening, and Milot said the added publicity has helped drive interest in the event.
“It has been fantastic,” Milot said. “The community outreach from everywhere … I’m overwhelmed. We’ve had donations come from Ohio, from Texas. It’s just been crazy.”
For additional information, visit the Facebook page “Let’s help Cassie kick cancer’s butt” or call Deb Milot at (989) 843-6262.