Community supports local mother with cancer

Friends and family of a Newton woman will rally together Saturday to assist in her fight against pancreatic cancer.

The benefit for Samantha Brown, of Newton, is open to the public and is set for 5 to 10 p.m. at Fore Seasons Golf Course.

The mother of three recently found out that there was a large tumor on her pancreas. After many scans and a biopsy, as well as a stint being placed to take pressure off, the family learned she had pancreatic cancer.

Brown’s best friend of 26 years, Gerry Thomas, helped organize the benefit, along with Brown’s family.

“There is no way I could’ve done it without her family members,” Thomas said.

Thomas and Brown met when they were children. They shared the same babysitter who watched them nearly every day after school.

“We went to different elementary schools, but then she moved back over to Newton and she and I have been inseparable,” Thomas said.

Thomas said her life wouldn’t be the same without Brown’s friendship.

“Samantha is just a beautiful person and has a big heart, and even in these times she’s going through now, she’s more concerned about how other people feel and letting people down,” Thomas said. “She’s been head-strong since the day of the news and she’s always been a reliable friend. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

Brown began four to eight weeks of chemotherapy May 2. She is expected to have surgery called a whipple procedure to remove the tumor, gallbladder, part of the pancreas and part of the liver.

Since Brown is currently unable to work, the money raised at the benefit will go to the Brown family for medical and family expenses.

Thomas said she credits 100 local businesses who have either chipped in silent auction items for the benefit, have donated money and who have put up flyers.

Thomas said Stacey’s Sweet Stuff already held a cookie fundraiser for funds to use for the benefit. Shortly after, Torpedo Burrito matched the same amount Stacey’s Sweet Stuff had raised.

“It’s been an out pouring of love,” Thomas said.

The benefit will begin with dinner at 5 p.m. followed by music played on steel drums by a few of Brown’s cousins. A DJ will play music at 7 p.m. There will also be a silent auction, bingo and a 50/50 raffle.

Items for sale at the benefit include tattoos for kids, koozies and t-shirts.

Thomas said people can expect a kid friendly environment where anyone is welcome.

“Regardless of doing a monetary donation, just come out and say “hey, I’m thinking about you,” Thomas said. “That’s really what we want to see Saturday.”

Thomas said they expect Brown to undergo a big surgery in the next couple weeks.

“I think having this Saturday night will encourage her to fight and know that we are fighting with her,” Thomas said. “I just want to tell her I love her and I’ll always be here for her and her family. I can’t thank her enough for being there the last 26 years.”

To send a monetary donation to the family, send it to the Sam Brown Benefit at Great Western Bank at 304 S. Commerce Drive in Prairie City. At request of the bank, make the check payable to G. Thomas Sam FBO Brown Benefit.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at klangmaid@newtondailynews.com