PORT BYRON - Community members came out to the Port Byron American Legion Sunday afternoon to support a local woman who was diagnosed with cancer.
Bonnie Harmon, a mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer, lung cancer and lymphoid cancer last fall. Organized by Bonnie's two daughters, Nicole Townsend and Leanna Nervina, and her best friend Marcha Blaisdell among others, the benefit was held in order to offset Bonnie's medical expenses.
“She has had the worst luck,” Townsend said. “Anything that could go wrong has gone wrong.”
Bonnie, who has already had one surgery that cost more than $18,000, is uninsured and faces mounting medical bills because of chemotherapy, surgeries and medication. The American Cancer Society has paid for part of the expenses.
“We are happy for anything we get,” Townsend said. “It's well needed. It's for things that will help her get through this.”
With food, raffles, auctions and a donation box, everyone had a chance to come out and have fun while helping Bonnie. And Bonnie's friends and family were not the only ones who showed their support.
The food was donated by Tommy Gotsis, the owner or the Port Byron Diner, where Bonnie used to be a waitress. Other raffle prizes were donated by local spas, hotels and restaurants
“I feel bad for her, I feel bad for anyone in this kind of situation,” Gotsis said.
Gotsis, who also helped to raise $800 in tickets for the event, said he had always believed in helping others whenever possible.
“My boss is a very, very good friend,” Bonnie said. “He donated his time, his friendship ... everything to pull this off.”
Gotsis also organized the music for the evening by bringing in DJ Brad Smith. Smith, who often volunteers for benefits, was working the event without his normal partner. Instead Smith said today was special because his son Zachary Smith would be doing his first gig.
“Bonnie has got a lot of good friends to step up and do this event,” Brad Smith said. “It's very well put together compared to other benefits I have been to. They are taking control and doing a good job.”
Bonnie, who never knew about the benefit till two weeks before, said she was surprised at how many people had showed up. Brad Smith said the turnout was a testament to the work Bonnie's daughters and friends had done.
“A lot of people are coming out, and a lot more have said they will not be able to come till later today,” Bonnie said.
Bonnie's friends and family said everyone who came out did make a difference.
“Everyone who came has helped her so much,” Townsend said.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
“She has had the worst luck,” Townsend said. “Anything that could go wrong has gone wrong.”
Bonnie, who has already had one surgery that cost more than $18,000, is uninsured and faces mounting medical bills because of chemotherapy, surgeries and medication. The American Cancer Society has paid for part of the expenses.
“We are happy for anything we get,” Townsend said. “It's well needed. It's for things that will help her get through this.”
With food, raffles, auctions and a donation box, everyone had a chance to come out and have fun while helping Bonnie. And Bonnie's friends and family were not the only ones who showed their support.
The food was donated by Tommy Gotsis, the owner or the Port Byron Diner, where Bonnie used to be a waitress. Other raffle prizes were donated by local spas, hotels and restaurants
“I feel bad for her, I feel bad for anyone in this kind of situation,” Gotsis said.
Gotsis, who also helped to raise $800 in tickets for the event, said he had always believed in helping others whenever possible.
“My boss is a very, very good friend,” Bonnie said. “He donated his time, his friendship ... everything to pull this off.”
Gotsis also organized the music for the evening by bringing in DJ Brad Smith. Smith, who often volunteers for benefits, was working the event without his normal partner. Instead Smith said today was special because his son Zachary Smith would be doing his first gig.
“Bonnie has got a lot of good friends to step up and do this event,” Brad Smith said. “It's very well put together compared to other benefits I have been to. They are taking control and doing a good job.”
Bonnie, who never knew about the benefit till two weeks before, said she was surprised at how many people had showed up. Brad Smith said the turnout was a testament to the work Bonnie's daughters and friends had done.
“A lot of people are coming out, and a lot more have said they will not be able to come till later today,” Bonnie said.
Bonnie's friends and family said everyone who came out did make a difference.
“Everyone who came has helped her so much,” Townsend said.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
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