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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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‘Nobody fights alone’
Winfield community rallies around Melanie Missey
You can count on the support of a small town when things get tough, and that will be something Melanie (McCreight) Missey will always remember about her hometown of Winfield. Saturday's benefit at Twin Lakes to help with her medical costs reinforced just that.
A standout athlete from the WMU graduating class of 2007, Missey was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer on April 14, 2023. She shared the news on her social media in early June, and immediately her support system in Winfield hit the ground running with ways to support her in her fight.
According to Missey, almost immediately after hearing the news, Chris Finnell approached Missey's mother, Belinda Baumert, and asked to organize a support benefit.
Since that moment, numerous individuals have come together to raise funds to offset the medical costs Missey encounters, and to remind her that in Winfield, "No one fights alone."
On Saturday, the benefit kicked off at 2 p.m. with a steady stream of people coming to Twin Lakes to rally behind Missey in her fight. The event included a freewill donation meal, bags tournament, a silent auction with over 50 items to bid on, and of course watching the Hawkeye game.
Missey said the most touching part of Saturday's benefit was the overwhelming support from the Winfield community.
"Among my favorite moments was seeing everyone enjoying themselves, reuniting with people I hadn't seen in years, and watching our children all running around playing together,” Missey said. “It reaffirmed why I'm so proud to call Winfield my home. Winfield will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Missey's journey has been marked by significant milestones and her unwavering determination. She has successfully completed six rounds of chemotherapy, ringing the bell and celebrating the ending of that step with her family on Aug. 16.
Missey reported the chemo treatments were effective, with her MRI showing tumors had significantly shrunk and some had completely vanished.
The next step in Missey's fight against breast cancer is scheduled for Sept. 13, when she will have surgery to prevent a recurrence, followed by a six-week recovery period. Following surgery and recovery, Missey also will undergo 30 rounds of radiation. Missey said she also will continue to receive targeted therapy infusions every three weeks until the end of April.
Saturday's benefit, as well as ongoing fundraising, has been spearheaded by several individuals including Chris and Sue Finnell, Belinda Baumert, Mendy McCreight, Misty Kellogg, Rhonda Redlinger, Lindsay Remick, Sheila Finnell, Alicia Unkrich, Shari Sedlacek and Rene Unkrich.
