Kaitlyn Bailey’s Benefit

On January 23, 2016, family, friends, and people from the community came together for one person, Kaitlyn Bailey. No, it wasn’t for her birthday. It was to support her battle with cancer while also enjoying the beautiful Saturday with great food , games, and enjoying good music.

Katie is a junior at Deer Park High School. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma towards the end of last semester. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is the cancer of the immune system, and also compromises the body’s ability to fight off infection. To help her a local group of caring people planned this event to help Katie and her family with the financial burden of medical expenses and other expenses that go along with the life changing battle with cancer.  The benefit took place at the Jimmy Burke Center.  The hall was packed with generous people who all wanted to help Katie.  There were many events going on inside and outside the hall. There was BBQ plates and yummy desserts, kids games and a bounce house, a live auction with many local favorites to bid on, a live DJ , and a band to set the mood of fun and happiness. Everyone was there because they cared. There were many volunteers from not only Deer Park, but La Porte and Pasadena too.  The atmosphere was one of family and love.

“It’s… beyond what we ever could imagine,” Katie’s mom said when asked about if the benefit turned out as they hoped it would. It really did, with the evidence that people had to find different parking spots since the center’s parking lot was full, and how many people were packed inside. “Everyone came together,” Katie said.

Katie and her family and friends were in attendance and their presence was known. They were seen smiling and visiting with anyone who approached them. They were involved with most of the events. A look of gratitude was on their faces all day.

“[The money] It’s gonna help Katie… with hospital bills and deductibles… and all that.” Mrs. Bailey said when asked what the money will help Katie with. ” Also, we wanted, we want her life to be easier, and [the] next years after all she’s been through. So with college and whatever’s gonna make her have [an] easier time later on…”