Please keep a focus on the objective in this thread.
http://www.theeagle.com/local/Tough-battle-for-Bryan-resident
Fundraiser in works for Bryan resident battling melanoma
By MAGGIE KIELY
Kim Shutt is 33, a mother of two and an avid softball player who opened a local business in March.
That's why in April, when Shutt was diagnosed with melanoma, her family and friends had a hard time understanding what was happening. Since then, she's undergone four surgeries for the disease and is still battling health problems.
Her father, Warren Groty, said the cancer came as a shock to his family, as it does in many cases.
Shutt has two sons, ages 11 and 9. She attended Bryan High School, where she played tennis and softball.
Groty's been running his daughter's business, BCS Trophies, while she's been sick.
After fighting the cancer, doctors told Shutt in August they'd discovered uterine fibroid tumors, which caused organ infections and required three surgeries.
Shutt doesn't have health insurance, her father said. As a result, she's gone through her savings and had to borrow money to pay for medical expenses, he said.
But that's still not covering it, he said.
"We don't have a clue what her hospital bills are going to be," he said. "It's really humbling to have people rally around her like they have."
To help pay for her bills, Shutt's family, friends and softball teammates have organized a fundraiser.
Shutt has been part of a local softball team for 13 years and, in that time, has become close to her coach, Al Macias, a district commissioner of the Texas Amateur Softball Association.
Macias said the team has rallied together in support of Shutt, who's always been there for anyone in need.
"She has no problem helping others," Macias said. "It's our turn to give back a little."
Shutt's supporters are asking for monetary donations, as well as donated items to be raffled off during a softball tournament in October. So far, the grand prize is $1,000, he said.
Details of the fundraiser are still being finalized, and raffle tickets should be on sale soon.
Macias visited Shutt on Friday, the day after her latest procedure. She has some healing time ahead of her, but doctors have provided positive forecasts about her condition, he said.
But the recent months haven't been easy, he said.
"The first three weeks were just terrible, for lack of a better word," he said. "She was in such pain, having all kinds of problems with surgery. But as soon as she went home, she started feeling better."
To donate money or raffle items and to find out more information about the softball tournament or raffle drawing, call Macias at 412-5771.
[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/14/2010 8:03a).]
http://www.theeagle.com/local/Tough-battle-for-Bryan-resident
Fundraiser in works for Bryan resident battling melanoma
By MAGGIE KIELY
Kim Shutt is 33, a mother of two and an avid softball player who opened a local business in March.
That's why in April, when Shutt was diagnosed with melanoma, her family and friends had a hard time understanding what was happening. Since then, she's undergone four surgeries for the disease and is still battling health problems.
Her father, Warren Groty, said the cancer came as a shock to his family, as it does in many cases.
Shutt has two sons, ages 11 and 9. She attended Bryan High School, where she played tennis and softball.
Groty's been running his daughter's business, BCS Trophies, while she's been sick.
After fighting the cancer, doctors told Shutt in August they'd discovered uterine fibroid tumors, which caused organ infections and required three surgeries.
Shutt doesn't have health insurance, her father said. As a result, she's gone through her savings and had to borrow money to pay for medical expenses, he said.
But that's still not covering it, he said.
"We don't have a clue what her hospital bills are going to be," he said. "It's really humbling to have people rally around her like they have."
To help pay for her bills, Shutt's family, friends and softball teammates have organized a fundraiser.
Shutt has been part of a local softball team for 13 years and, in that time, has become close to her coach, Al Macias, a district commissioner of the Texas Amateur Softball Association.
Macias said the team has rallied together in support of Shutt, who's always been there for anyone in need.
"She has no problem helping others," Macias said. "It's our turn to give back a little."
Shutt's supporters are asking for monetary donations, as well as donated items to be raffled off during a softball tournament in October. So far, the grand prize is $1,000, he said.
Details of the fundraiser are still being finalized, and raffle tickets should be on sale soon.
Macias visited Shutt on Friday, the day after her latest procedure. She has some healing time ahead of her, but doctors have provided positive forecasts about her condition, he said.
But the recent months haven't been easy, he said.
"The first three weeks were just terrible, for lack of a better word," he said. "She was in such pain, having all kinds of problems with surgery. But as soon as she went home, she started feeling better."
To donate money or raffle items and to find out more information about the softball tournament or raffle drawing, call Macias at 412-5771.
[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/14/2010 8:03a).]