Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Elvis and Tara Thumb (left and right) with their daughter, Alyssa, who graduated from NR-S on May 29.
Tara Thumb, a resident of Sheyenne, is in the midst of a tough fight to beat cancer, and there's a way the community can lend a hand.
On Thursday, June 9, a spaghetti benefit will be held at the Ostby Hall in Sheyenne to help cover Tara and Elvis Thumb's medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, there will be a silent auction and more than a dozen prizes will be raffled off.
Among the prizes are a Big Dog 42" zero-turn riding mower, a Pit Boss Ultimate gas grill with a griddle, $500 cash, a mini fridge, and much more.
All proceeds will go to Tara and Elvis Thumb to assist with the medical expenses associated with aggressive cancer treatment.
Tara Thumb's battle started in early February when she first began feeling unwell. Initially, doctors diagnosed her with Jaundice, and tests revealed that her bile duct tube from her liver had been blocked.
A five-hour-long surgery to put stents in helped, but biopsies and further testing revealed a cancerous tumor in her pancreas. Thumb then underwent a successful whipple procedure, an invasive nine-hour-long surgery to remove the cancer along with portions of her pancreas and intestine.
To make matters worse, breast cancer was also soon discovered, and Thumb had to undergo yet another surgery. Now, she's beginning a 6-month chemotherapy regimen at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, N.D.
Tara and her husband Elvis have enjoyed the support they've received from the community throughout their ongoing fight, and appreciate anyone willing to help out.
"It's been amazing to have the community's support," said Elvis Thumb. "Our spirits are good and we're looking forward to a full recovery. Tara's upbeat and feeling pretty good right now."
Those wishing to help out can attend the benefit at Ostby Hall on June 9, which runs from 4-8 p.m. The drawing for the raffle prizes will be held at the Sheyenne Rodeo on Monday, July 4. Winners need not be present.
Silent auction items can be dropped off at Warren Implement in Sheyenne, or at Central Pharmacy in New Rockford.
A benefit account has also been set up at Western State Bank in Devils Lake. Send donations C/o Tara & Elvis Thumb, P.O. Box 610, Devils Lake, N.D. 58301.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to call Chris Warren at (701) 302-0974.
