Palm Harbor Residents Rally Round Cancer Patient

It was a beautiful warm sunny day and crowds of people turned up at the in Palm Harbor to enjoy the festivities and support a local cause. The "To Chrissy With Love" event featured five live musical acts, arts and crafts, prize draws and family fun, all aimed at raising money for local resident Chrissy Willett.

Back in the fall of 2010 Chrissy Willett noticed her health was failing and in October that same year she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Since then she has been battling both the disease and her mounting medical bills. Willett explained that even though she has medical insurance she still found herself facing large bills from her treatment.

Thanks to the support of people in Palm Harbor these bills are far less of a burden on Willett. “It’s taken so much stress out of having to pay for my treatment,” she said.

When they heard the news, many of Willett’s friends got together and came up with the idea for a fundraising event. One of the main organizers was Lilly Beltz who has been friends with Willett for over 14 years. Beltz said that one of the aims of the event was to enable Willett to pay the treatment bills for the foreseeable future.

“We hope that this will cover her medicals bills for this year and for next year,” said Beltz.

Willett was present on Saturday and spent the day happy in the company of her friends and family. She also received a surprise visit from various members of her family who had flown in from as far away as Charlotte, Birmingham and even Ohio to be with her on Saturday.

Willett believes that her positive approach to life is the reason she was blessed with so many loved one and also why she is able to face her illness with a smile on her face. 

“I always had a positive attitude and a smile and a hug for everyone,” she said.

The response from those close to her and the Palm Harbor community was another welcome surprise for Willett. One of her favorite bands, The Defendants, was the catalyst for the event and helped organize the day’s musical lineup. Performing on Saturday were Ray Pearon, Terry Premru, The Voodoo Review of course The Defendants themselves.  

“The band wanted to do something to help and it just snowballed from there,” said Willett, “It’s unbelievable how many people have jumped in and said they wanted to help.”

In total 35 volunteers donated their time with countless others donating gifts and money to the cause. In addition the owners of the Witch’s Brew put their venue at the disposal of the cause which was a crucial factor according to Beltz.  

“Rick and Leslie Klein have been the backbone for all this. They offered the Witch’s Brew as a venue to host the event,” said Beltz.

Despite the success of Saturday’s fundraiser the future still looks uncertain for Willett. After completing her second round of chemotherapy she hit another serious setback when it was discovered the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Beltz explained that they are currently waiting to hear from experts regarding the next step.

“We’ll know in a couple of weeks what the next stage is,” said Beltz, “We’re in this with her through thick and thin.”

Willett remains as positive as ever. “Her philosophy is take it one day at a time,” said Beltz.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Chrissy Willett Cancer Fundraiser can do so online at  www.tochrissywithlove.weebly.com