WILMINGTON — A benefit for Becky Smith — who is battling, and recovering from, cancer — is set for 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 141 E. Sugartree St., Wilmington in the banquet room. A $10 entry and will get you some good food and good music, and raffles will be available.
“January of 2016 our lives changed forever,” said Becky Smith. “I’ve been a resident of Wilmington for 30 years as I moved here with my four children for my job, ABX. I was employed with ABX for 21 years and was let go when the company closed. I worked three jobs at a time to support my family.
“I received my certification to be a caregiver and did that for a few years until one day, as I was lifting one of my clients, a pain like I have never felt before hit me in the chest, taking my breath away and bringing me to the floor.”
Soon after, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
“I went from a healthy 54 year-old hard-working mother and grandma to facing one of the worst possible situations no one should ever have to,” she said. “I was admitted and after a few days of more blood work, MRIs, bone marrows, and more intense tests they discovered it isn’t breast cancer — my chest pain was caused from a fracture because my bones are slowly deteriorating from Multiple Myeloma Cancer.”
This type of cancer is non-curable but maintainable, she said.
A plan was put together where she began weekly treatments of chemo therapy at Jewish Hospital as well at home where medication is delivered.
“I went through three rounds of chemo getting me ready for a stem cell transplant that was done at Jewish Hospital on December 7th, 2016 which I am currently home recovering from now,” Becky said. “I am making progress at each doctor visit as my levels climb to the road of recovery!
Becky’s family has also set up a bank account at Fifth Third Bank in Wilmington under Tifaney Sandlin Benefit for Becky Smith as well as a PO Box addressed Becky Smith, PO Box 1011, Wilmington, OH 45177 “so I can receive cards for extra motivation,” Becky said. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support!”
