Community asked to rally for sick mom

To The Eagle:

I am motivated as I write this letter to our community paper. Wahkiakum county residents and friends nearby are always remarkable at showing others what being generous really looks like. In the many years that I have lived here, I have seen many charitable fund raisers. Every time, I am awe struck at how compassionate a town can be. People are willing to give prayers, food, money, and much more when someone is in need. I know it should not be taken for granted either. Here we go again...

This is my challenge for you: Please come and show your support for our own Brandi (Knowles) Thomas of Cathlamet at the Hotel Cathlamet lobby on August 12 between 5 and 8 p.m. We will be accepting donations to help Brandi and her family. There will be music and some wonderful desserts. Many people will be donating homemade all American favorites and some international goodies. This is a dessert tasting festival of sorts. It should be fun and interesting. Depending on her health, Brandi and her girls plan to be at this event.

Brandi, age 35, went to school here her whole life and now her own two girls, Jessie and Grayci attend here as well. Brandi is employed at St. John Hospital as a C.N.A. and is a pre-nursing student at LCC. She has to take some time off work because she has breast cancer again for the second time, the breast cancer returned at Stage 4 requiring a radical surgery with possibly more chemotherapy to follow. She has undergone surgeries, numerous chemotherapy treatments and radiation so far. With time missed from work, running a household on a single income, studying for her own classes, raising two girls, she has been crafty at stretching her money as far as possible on her regular bills and medicines/treatments. Can you help her in any way? It doesn’t necessarily have to be money. Maybe you can help with a dessert and say a prayer for her. Volunteerism, giving and thoughtfulness can come in many forms!

If you have questions or want to help, inbox me on Facebook (Lisa Sauer-Ridout) or email me at lisasamkykael@aol.com. Thank you in advance!

Hopeful with anticipation,

Lisa Ridout

Cathlamet