Nonprofit Raises Money for Troy Resident Recently Diagnosed With Cancer

TROY, MI — Newly engaged Troy resident Dena King was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months after she got engaged to her fiancé, Andrew Polley, in July. King's doctors at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak told her she should harvest her ova if she wants to have children after she completes her chemotherapy, which reduces ova production and may stop it all together. This procedure wasn't covered by King's insurance, The Troy Times reports.

The cost for the medicine for the procedure was $5,000 alone. King learned about the nonprofit Team Maggie for a Cure, which raises up to $2,5000 to help with paying for fertility treatments for cancer patients. King applied for a grant and received it.

“I have so much support around me. I’m very loved. I’m not going to say it’s an easy process, but it’s bearable. Chemo has been the hardest thing in my life. It affects you physically and emotionally,” King said to The Troy Times.

Team Maggie helps cancer patients all over the country. The organization has helped 12 people this year, including people in Bloomfield Hills and Clinton Township.

A fundraiser will be held from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Lathrup Village Community Room to help raise money for King's procedure. Additionally on Oct. 30, Catching Fireflies stores at 203 E. University St. in Rochester and 3117 W. 12 Mile Road in Berkley will give 12 percent of their profits made noon-5 p.m. Oct. 30 to Team Maggie for a Cure.

To read more about King, check out The Troy Times article.

Photo courtesy of Yongjiet/Flickr