Friday, I reported on a yard sale --- a special yard sale for a 16 year old girl who has a brain tumor. But, the report is also about Lisa's family and how every member of the family battles when one is facing down cancer.

Lisa Dempsey has been battling a tumor for more than a year. Only part of it could be surgically removed. She's undergone chemo and radiation. Still, the tumor survives. Lisa's sister Britney tells me it's tough when you can't make her pain go away. She said," If I could take her pain away I would do it in a minute." She can't of course, so she's doing what she can. She's having a yard sale!!!

As you may know or at least can imagine the Dempsey's medical bills are huge. They owe tens of thousands. Last year, Britney, Lisa's sister decided to have a yard sale to pay at least a little on the bill. It turned into a community event that raised $3,000.
This year, the Wal-Mart where Lisa still tries to work on a good day is joining in.
While the family can't take away Lisa's pain they can lighten her load, lessen the worries everyone has about the financial obligations. Lisa's mom, Susie says what every mother would say, "I'll never stop treatment."

Funny thing about yard sales. This is the second time in just a few weeks I've seen people gather, sort and sell odds and ends for a greater good. Recently, my family hosted a huge yard sale for a scholarship fund in memory of my niece who was killed in a car crash. So many people helped, so many bought, so many donated. Sure, the money makes a difference but it's so much more. Seeing people who care enough to work hard to make other people feel a bit better is really what's it's about.

No, Britney can't take her sister's pain away. Here's what she can do and has done.
She's helped lighten the financial load for her parents and she's allowed many other people to pitch in and give someone who's hurting a reason to smile.

That's the measure of love.

Here's a chance to support Lisa's Yard Sale. It's July 12th (this coming Saturday) behind the Wal-Mart on Westport Road at Chamberlain Lane. It runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All money will go to help Lisa Dempsey a 16 year old fighting brain cancer.

2 Comments

Robert Szappanos said:

My wife dawn Szappanos passed away this past February. She was an associate at this Wal Mart. This store is a very special store. In may of 2007 my wife was found to have a brain tumor (GBM) The worst possible type you can get and the most aggressive. She too went through radiation and Chemo as the tumor was not removable. Throughout the whole period this Wal Mart was there to help in any way...they even had different bake sales to help rains money to help with her medicatios. From the store manager...Marcise to all of the Associates they were there to help us. I spent the last 6 months of Dawns life taking care of here at home with the last two weeks through Hospice...This was the hardest part to go through. I just want to say you hear so much in the news about the bad from Wal Mart...but I have nothing but praise for them especially this store....Thanks Bob Szappanos

July 13, 2008 3:48 PM

wayne said:

I am sorry to here about lisa's cancer,my mother passed away 5 years from lung cancer.I hope she beats it her family needs her there with them.

July 11, 2008 3:36 PM

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