GARDEN CITY, Mich. (WXYZ) - It has not been an easy Thanksgiving for one local family. Their nine-month-old baby girl is in her third round of chemotherapy, fighting a tumor on her neck and cancer around her lungs. But in spite of the tough battle ahead they are optimistic that little Avery Klemola will respond to treatment, in part because the community is rallying to her cause.
For grandparents Lorie and Robert Kennaley, looking at pictures of their 9-month old granddaughter Avery brings joy and sadness. About three months ago little Avery was diagnosed with cancer and is now in her third round of chemo.
"For the first six months of her life she was fine," said Lorie Kennaley, "and then a lump was discovered on her neck."
Avery just finished her latest dose of treatments Friday, and her parents are at her side. The good news is the tumor, which swelled way beyond her neck, has now shrunk. But the fight is far from over, as more cancer remains in her body.
The family says no one is giving up, and complete strangers have rallied to Avery's cause. Her Facebook fans number in the thousands. And there's even a special post from a soldier serving in the military.
"The soldier is serving in Iraq and he says Avery's story brought tears to his eyes," says Lorie."
With medical bills piling up, the community is reaching out to help Avery's family. A local restaurant is holding a fundraiser all day Saturday.
The fundraiser will be held Saturday at the Sports Venue Bar and Restaurant on Middlebelt Road near Ford Road in Garden City. It starts at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 a.m. Raffles will be held, gifts given out, and 10 percent of the proceeds goes to help Avery.
You can make donations to help out Avery's family at the TCF Bank location on Merriman Road in Garden City.
