Benefit to support Holland couple dealing with advanced thyroid cancer

A special fundraiser is being held to benefit a Holland couple dealing with medical bills associated advanced thyroid cancer.

Melanie Arehart has been battling advanced thyroid cancer since it was diagnosed in 2014 soon after the culmination of a difficult pregnancy with her second child. This after she and her husband Andy had a similar experience with their first child in 2011.

In 2011, their son Jackson was born at 33.5 weeks weighing 4 lbs. He spent three weeks in the NICU after Melanie delivered via emergency C-Section due to HELLP Syndrome and preeclampsia.

Then, in 2014, their daughter, Ella, was born at 32 weeks, weighing 2.13 lbs. Melanie again suffered HELLP syndrome in addition to the absence of nutrients passing through the umbilical cord. Melanie delivered via another emergency C-Section and Ella spent five weeks in the NICU.

In November of 2014, less than a month after Ella’s release from the NICU, Melanie was diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer. Since then, she’s had three major surgeries — including one, eight hour surgery — and two intense treatments, with more to come.

Melanie’s treatment and surgeries are done in Indianapolis. Many scans and appointments require an overnight hotel stay in Indianapolis. Andy and Melanie have both taken time off work, and have had numerous medical expenses, along with travel and hotel expenses.

Therefore, friends and family of the Arehart’s are hosting a fundraiser in conjunction with an auction being held at Astro Security in Jasper. Hot dogs, chili dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and many wonderful desserts will be available Saturday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Astro Security, 1230 3rd Ave., Jasper, during a Fischer Properties Auction being held there.

All the proceeds go to the family.

Open to the public.