Some 300 people came to Solid Rock Family Church on Sunday to rally around a Jefferson City woman with a rare form of brain cancer, raising more than $13,000 for her and her family.
In October, Stacie Yearton, a member of Solid Rock, was diagnosed with a rare form of glial cell brain cancer, after persistent headaches led her to the doctor.
Yearton and her husband, Scott, lead the marriage ministry for the church.
After a surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, she was doing better. But in July 2015, a follow-up MRI revealed a new tumor. A second brain surgery left her with the loss of feeling on her left side, which eventually became numb, and took about half of her vision.
Heather Berry, an organizer and friend of Yearton's, said the turnout for the dinner/auction fundraiser was "amazing." Yearton's husband, Scott, said he was "astounded" at the amount of items donated for the silent auction - everything from fresh baked pies to hotel stays, art, jewelry, books, oil changes, dinners, and yard care and more.
"This is just the tip of a much larger iceberg," he said, adding church members have helped with all of the family's needs, including bringing meals and providing rides for the kids.
Stacie Yearton's recent treatments have included more chemotherapy. Hopes of a clinical trial fell through, after she was told her type of tumor didn't make a good candidate.
She's been unable to work, so her husband, Scott, became the sole provider for their family of seven. They have three girls and two boys.
Now, the family's hopes rest with strengthening her enough to attempt proton beam therapy treatments in Chicago - and lots of prayers.
In a flyer handed out at the fundraiser, an organizer wrote: "With great grace and a strong faith in God, Stacie has accepted this journey. She is an inspiration to all who know her. Her reliance on the Lord is unshakable and her peaceful heart and spirit reveal her inner strength."
Scott Yearton said his wife "hates when people go out of their way for her," but that she deeply appreciates this fundraiser and everything that's been done for their family.
People at the fundraiser who know Stacie Yearton said her focus is always on giving, not receiving. Her husband echoed those sentiments.
"My wife's the most amazing person I've ever known," he said. "She would give up almost everything if she thought it would help somebody else."
Proceeds of the fundraiser will go toward medical expenses not paid by insurance, as well as travel expenses to and from out-of-town doctors.
Contributions can be made through the Yearton Family Fund at Jefferson Bank.