Fund raiser planned for Mike and Katy Woodruff
Four-year old Katy Woodruff thinks her Uncle Mike is a special guy. Uncle Mike just happens to feel the same way about little Katy. "They're just goofy when they get together," said Janice Woodruff, Mike's mom and Katy's grandmother. "They have a special bond."
Perhaps that is because Mike and Katy have both been diagnosed with leukemia. Both have undergone chemotherapy sessions and both face additional treatments in the months to come. Although they both lost their hair, Katy definitely has the better hat collection. But she would share with her Uncle Mike if he needed one.
Mike Woodruff is facing a possible bone marrow or stem cell transplant at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Katy Woodruff has begun a two year round of chemotherapy given in weekly doses. For this treatment her parents, Stuart and Tracie Woodruff, take her to Kansas City from their home in Westmoreland.
"Both Mike and Stuart have medical insurance," said their mother. "But the insurance doesn't cover travel costs, overnight stays, or any of the other incidentals."
Mike will have to spend up to 100 days on an outpatient basis at MD. Anderson. "He won't be in the hospital, but he will be required to check in once a day," Woodruff added. "He will have to stay in a motel."
Two Peabody couples, friends of Mike's parents, Frank and Janice Woodruff, of Peabody, have organized a benefit fish fry and silent auction for March 2. They hope to raise money to help Mike's and Katy's families defray some of the expense.
Dennis and Sharon Pickens and Rod and Donna Hague have been working for a month to plan the meal and round up items for the silent auction.
The catfish for the meal will be provided and prepared by the two couples. Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert, and drinks will be provided by the churches of Peabody. The cost of the meal is by donation. Serving will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. at the American Legion hall.
A drawing for a fishing trip for two is being offered. The trip will be a day on the water at Marion Reservoir with Rod Hague, who caught most of the fish being prepared for the benefit. The drawing will take place at 7:30 p.m.
More than 100 items have been donated for the silent auction and more donations are being offered daily.
Included are gift certificates for food, services, recreation, and merchandise. Individuals and businesses have provided merchandise and hand-crafted items.
"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people we have asked," said Sharon Pickens. "The donors are not just from Peabody either. Businesses and individuals in Newton, Hillsboro, Marion, and Florence have contributed also."
Pickens said auction items would be accepted until Feb. 23. "Much as we hate to have a cutoff date on something like this, we need time to get things displayed and listed," she said.
Cash donations have been made by several individuals and businesses. "All the money that comes in goes straight to Katy and Mike," said Pickens. "There has been nothing spent on the meal or auction. All the rent, the advertising, the food
For more information or to make a donation, contact Sharon Pickens at 620-983-2277, Donna Hague at 620-983-2471, or the Peabody Christian Church at 620-983-2465.
