OGDEN — A community fundraiser to help offset medical bills for a single mother dealing with breast cancer will be held Saturday at Weber State University.
Cyndi Tangren, 53, of North Ogden, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last December. The aggressive cancer, which is more likely than other types of breast cancer to recur and spread, has caused Tangren to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and now radiation.
Anything For A Friend, a local organization that encourages friends, family and the community to reach out to those around them in need, is sponsoring the fundraiser. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Student Union Ballroom and will include dinner, a live and silent auction, a kid’s corner and entertainment.
Last fall, Tangren said she discovered a lump in her breast while doing a self exam and knew deep down she had cancer. A biopsy confirmed her fears. She had a high grade, stage 3 cancer.
“On Dec. 23 I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Eighteen lymph nodes were also removed, revealing that the cancer had spread to the nodes,” Tangren said.
Tangren, a mother of six and grandmother of nine, is a self-employed marriage and family therapist. She recently completed five months of chemotherapy and is participating in a stage 3 clinical drug trial study at McKay-Dee Hospital. She said participating in the study is her way of paying it forward to others who may have to deal with a cancer diagnosis.
“Every day I can feel life returning to me as the effects of the chemo leave my body,” she said. “I am told that radiation will leave me fatigued, but without many of the side effects of chemo that can leave one feeling debilitated and limited in physical health.”
Tangren said maintaining a positive attitude has helped her to deal with her cancer diagnosis.
“As a result, I learned to eliminate the things from my life that led to anything negative,” she said. “I learned to simplify, relax and appreciate every good day that I was blessed with.”
According to Anythingforafriend.com, many people are puzzled as to what they can do to help, yet stay out of the way to allow people to regain their health.
“The organizing committee is comprised of friends, family and neighbors whose lives have all been touched in some way by Cyndi and her family,” said Katie Price, organizing committee chairman. “Cyndi is an incredibly caring individual who would do this for her friend or neighbor in need, so please, let’s do our part to show her the same love and support.”
Tangren said the simple acts of kindness by those around her have made a difference.
“Many days it was simple, daily acts of kindness that gave me the courage to continue when my hope and stamina were diminishing,” she said.
“Hope is the greatest gift one can have when called upon to bear a difficult burden.”
For more information, visit www.anythingforafriend.com. You can also follow Tangren’s progress at her blog, cynthiasusan.blogspot.com.
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