Melissa Hansen Benefit

By Charly Haley
Contributing Writer

A benefit for cancer patient Melissa Hansen will be held on Feb. 5 at El Zagal Shrine in Fargo from 3 to 7 p.m.

Hansen has had breast cancer since August 2009. She is currently on her third round of chemotherapy. The benefit is to help raise money for Hansen’s many medical bills. Due to the cancer, she and her family—her husband and two young daughters—have faced an increasing number of expenses.

The event will include a chili feed, bake sale, T-shirt sale, and silent auction. Notable items that have been donated to the silent auction include KISS memorabilia signed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and artwork from local artists.

Guests are asked to donate $5 to partake in the chili feed.

The benefit is organized by Misty Fry, who has been a friend of the Hansen family for many years.

“It’s my way of helping her,” Fry said.

Although Fry is organizing the event, she emphasizes that she is not doing it alone. “Everybody’s been amazing,” she said. “It’s overwhelming how many people care.”

The benefit has already received donations from several people and businesses.

Like Fry, Hansen is also grateful for how generous people have been.

“It’s so overwhelming. There’s so many people that are donating that have no idea who I am,” Hansen said. “There’s been an overwhelming response, and it’s been so heartwrenching and warming and the whole works. It’s just an unbelievable thing.”

Fry believes that Hansen couldn’t be more deserving of donations.

“She’s such a kind person,” Fry said. “She’s so nice. Throughout all of this she’s remained upbeat and positive … She has this quality about her and just believes everything is gonna be okay. She’s worth it.”

In addition to donating at the benefit event, donations can be sent to Melissa Hansen Benefit Fund at Gate City Bank, Fargo West Village, 3909 13th Ave. S., Fargo, N.D., 58103.

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IF YOU GO:
What: Chili Feed Benefit for Melissa Hansen
When:  Saturday, Feb. 5, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: El Zagal Shrine, 1429 North 3rd St., Fargo
Contact: Call Misty Fry at 701-238-1006 or 218-233-4498.