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Tea Time Fundraiser Planned To Aid In Stowes Cancer Battle
stowe family
SMART (Student Mentor Arranged Reading Times) founder, Betsy Stowe, far right with daughters Katie Stone, far left, and Laura Frazer. The community activist recently learned her Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma has returned. A fundraising event to aid with alternative treatment costs has been set for Friday, June 2 at Calvary Chapel Oakdale. The event is open to the public. Photo Contributed

Betsy Stowe has long been known throughout the community as a giver; now she’s due her turn.

Earlier this year, the community activist learned her time with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma was not yet through as she received her second diagnosis. Stowe was first diagnosed and treated for the blood cancer in 2008 and 2009 via traditional medicine.

In September of 2016 she began feeling pain in her hips, by April of this year she learned it had returned. This past week, she concluded a three-week alternative treatment from Forsythe Cancer Care Center in Reno, Nevada.

“She didn’t want to go that route again,” Stowe’s daughter Laura Frazer said of traditional chemotherapy. “It’s a blend of homeopathic and traditional medicine. Now she’ll do three months of oral chemo.”

While the second portion of her treatment plan will be covered by insurance, the initial three week phase was not. Determined to beat the disease, however, Stowe and her husband Lance did not let this be a deterrent.

To aid with the cost the family has incurred through non-traditional treatment a Go Fund Me page has been established and a fundraising event has been planned.

Thanks to the help and guidance of family friends Elizabeth Wright and Vanessa Williams Kesterson, Steeped in Love was created.

The tea and dessert event will be held on Friday, June 2 at Calvary Chapel, Oakdale from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased via organizers or Paypal using account stowefam@sbcglobal.net. Donations may be made to the family there as well. The event Facebook page is “Steeped in Love.”

“I sent them a text when my mom found out she had cancer and learned this was the way she wanted to go,” Frazer said of she and her sister Katie Stone’s efforts to help their parents ride this current wave.

“I feel like we are partnering with people that are good at what they do and just thankful they have stepped up,” Frazer continued.

The eldest daughter of the cancer survivor also shared the personal side of her parents; their ability to be selfless givers to the point of having no more and never expecting anything in return.

“She is just so grateful,” Frazer said of her mother’s response to the outpouring of support. “She is without pain which is amazing. She said, this is the first time in nine months, which is a miracle.”

As for the event, June 2, the community has rallied for the family that has given without expectation. Over 40 silent auction items have been donated, as well as vacation destinations including Sea Ranch and Maui for live auction. Stowe herself has asked to be the ‘guest’ speaker to share the gratitude as well as an update on her progress.

 

“We’re just incredibly grateful,” Frazer said.