Guests fill all tables for McMasters benefit

Shelly McMasters was able to visit with family members and friends on May 3 at the Colfax United Methodist Church during a dinner fund raiser.

McMasters is undergoing treatment for cancer and the funds raised will help pay for the expenses.

McMasters’ sister, Kerry Barlow, surprised her by coming from Wisconsin early Saturday morning to join her in the fund raiser.

All the tables were filled during the fund raiser, with the guest total about 125. The catering firm, Memorable Events, prepared the dinner and donated all the food for the event.

A silent auction also was held during the dinner.

McMasters was tired because of the effects of the chemotherapy treatments she is going through.

Barlow said she bestowed two nicknames on her sister.

“When she started chemo, I nicknamed her ‘Chemo-Sabi’,” Barlow said. “Then when she lost her hair, I nicknamed her ‘Chemo-Baldy-Sabi’.”

McMasters’ fight against cancer began in 1997 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Then in 2008, was diagnosed with breast cancer along with pneumonia and an enlarged heart.

McMasters said about seven weeks ago, doctors found the cancer had spread to her spine and into her pelvis. A biopsy also revealed that cancer had spread to her stomach.

Now McMasters is receiving full doses of chemotherapy.

“She’s wonderful,” Barlow said.

“Everyone has been very supportive,” McMasters said.

A bank account was established at Columbia Bank in McMasters’ name and donations are welcome. For more information, visit “Friends of Shelly” on Facebook.