Fundraiser for Demas to be held Sunday

In Dec 2011 at the young age of 19, Demi Demas was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Desmoid Sarcoma. At that time she had surgery and was treated with radiation. Since then, Demas has had to go every three months for check ups, labs, X-rays, etc.

In Nov 2013 at one of her follow-ups she found out the cancer is back. This time it is inoperable. The first plan of treatment was oral chemo for three months and recheck progress. This past week she went for her follow up and found that the oral chemo was not working. She was told she would have to start IV chemo right away.

“The insurance Demi’s mom carries on her has huge deductibles and then only pays a certain percent. This deductible starts over again tomorrow,” said Mike Ellender. “Cancer treatment and all that goes along with it is extremely costly. They have still been paying on her original bill and follow up and now they will be bombarded with this.”

Demas works more than one job, goes to school and has paid her own rent. She was told that she will not be able to work and this medicine will make her feel bad. Keeping her apartment in Houston will be beneficial to her and her mom being able to be there to care for her when needed.

“So many have wanted to do something to help all along and now is our chance since she will be on some very costly medicines,” said Ellender.

He and Cody Eldridge are organizing a fundraiser for noon to 7 p.m., Sunday at the Cardinal Snowcone Stand on Texas Avenue in Bridge City across from post office. There will be links, drinks, snowcones, and a free/donation obstacle course on site, the Mojo Challenge.

“We will be raffling open heat registrations for the Sept. 20 (Mojo Challenge) event at Ford Park. The number of entries being given away will depend on how many raffle tickets we sell,” said Ellender.

Tickets will be priced at $2 with no limit on the amount you can purchase. “We welcome everyone to come out, have a great time, and show your support for Demi. All proceeds will benefit her directly,” he said.