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Fundraiser to Help Mother of 5 in Traverse City Beat Cancer for a Second Time

Nobody wants to hear that they have cancer, and Kelly Hayes of Traverse City, she’s been told that too many times.

In 2018 Hayes was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a double mastectomy and chemo, she’s been in remission since 2019.

“Kelly’s amazing. She’s an amazing human being. She’s an amazing mom. She’s a really, really good friend. She’s got a great outlook on life. I’m really happy to know her,” said Jenny Rohlen, a friend of Kelly Hayes.

In May, Hayes found out the cancer was back and was diagnosed with stage four triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, but she isn’t in this battle alone.

In less than a week, Hayes’ two friends, Micki Durocher and Jenny Rohlen, organized a fundraiser.

“Matt and Kelly have five kids and a great family, so we’re just trying to raise some funds to help get Kelly to Mayo for some treatment,” said Micki Durocher, a friend of Kelly Hayes.

It’s Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM at Thirsty Fish in Traverse City. Many local businesses have donated items for a silent auction, and several bands will perform.

“The musical community, especially in Traverse City, is out of this world,” said Rohlen. “They definitely stand by each other, and this just goes to prove it.”

Everyone is coming together to help Hayes beat cancer for a second time.

“We knew we were surrounded by a great community who would all come together. We didn’t know it would be to this level,” said Durocher. “It’s like you’re in a neighborhood, and you want to make some cookies, but you don’t have any sugar. So you ask your neighbor for some sugar, and they showed up with the sugar, A glass of milk, plates, and the oven to cook it.”

A $5 donation is recommended at the door, and Thirsty Fish is donating 10% of their food and drink sales on Sunday.

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