By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

NEGAUNEE — The Marquette County community is rallying around one of its own to give her strength during a challenging time.A fundraiser for Chelsea Sicotte is scheduled on Saturday.

Sicotte was diagnosed with primary mediastinal large b-cell lymphoma in early April,

Sicotte’s sister, Ashley Price, said on the fundraiser page.

“This form of lymphoma is aggressive and will require extensive chemotherapy treatments,” Price said. “These treatments will include six rounds of 24-hour infusions lasting five consecutive days and will continue through the duration of the summer.”

Donations will go toward lodging, travel, medical bills and any other expenses.

“Chelsea is a very giving person. She’s just very upbeat and charismatic, she has the type of smile to light up a room,” event coordinator Amber Talo said. “Her and her fiance both are just literally people who would give you the shirt off their back and help you in any way possible.”

Sicotte’s fiance, Ross Montcalm, and she had been planning to have their wedding on July 20 but it has been postponed due to the diagnosis.

“They are just going through an unimaginable time, life changing time, and we are looking to support them as much as possible through this difficult time,” Talo said.

On April 22, Price posted the following update from Sicotte on GoFundMe.

“I have cancer. Not a sentence I thought I’d be saying this year, but does anyone? I have been told many times that I got this, that I’ll beat this, that I’m strong, but I don’t feel very strong. I have my good days and I have my bad days. Tonight was a bad night. I still feel like I’m in shock from the news, then I get sad because this was supposed to be THE year, then I get angry and go right into being scared. I’ve been keeping some video journals throughout my journey so far and I really felt like I wasn’t dealing with my diagnosis properly, not processing it the “correct” way and on Sunday morning I had watched the last one I made from the end of March and seeing the difference between then and now – I know I have handled this … news better than I thought I have. I am learning to give myself the grace I deserve and even if I didn’t handle this better, it’s okay. Ross and I, along with our families, have a long road ahead of us and we’re going to tackle this head on,” Sicotte said in the GoFundMe update. “I want to give the biggest thank you to everyone who has reached out, stopped by, sent cards, sent goodies, given goodies, donated, has checked in on the daily, and so much more. There are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I have for everyone. The support has been overwhelming and simply amazing. Much of my strength is because of it.”

The ‘Stronger than Cancer’ benefit for Chelsea Sicotte will be held on Saturday from 4-9 p.m. at the Negaunee VFW.

The benefit event will have live music by The DayDreamers, 50/50 and bucket raffles, an auction, cash bar and BBQ dinner included with entry.

At the event, two meal options will be available for purchase:

≤ Meal 1: $10 suggested donation including choice of hamburger, hot dog or brat with coleslaw and chips.

≤ Meal 2: $20 suggested donation including smoked pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese and baked beans.

A smoked brisket sampling while supplies last can be added on to any meal for $5.

A $5 donation is suggested for kids under 12 and kids under 2 years old are free.

Talo said bucket raffle and auction prizes from community members and local businesses are still needed for the benefit.

Donations can also be made at any Honor Credit Union locationand reference the ‘Chelsea Benefit’ account, or donate at gofund.me/776b6b42.

Questions regarding the benefit can be directed to Talo at 906-458-9904.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.