Bailey Mackey
Suzanne White is well known in the Rochester community for her longtime leadership of The Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills, which assists the less fortunate of the city. Now, it’s someone in her own family who needs help.
White’s 8-year-old granddaughter, Bailey Mackey, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. A fundraising dinner has been set for Dec. 15 to raise money for her care. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, Dec. 3.
Bailey Lynn (“Little Diva”) Mackey was born seven weeks early at Crittenton Hospital weighing just three pounds, 10 ounces. After three weeks in neonatal intensive care, she went home a healthy little girl. Bailey loves shopping, clothes, dancing, singer Carrie Underwood and spending time with her older brother Kyle and older sister Brooke.
Her recent diagnosis is Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma). Approximately 500 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually, typically in children younger than Bailey. During a seven-hour surgery, doctors discovered a large tumor attached to Bailey’s kidney, which has spread and wrapped around her large intestine, main arteries and back muscles. Bailey has started chemo to shrink the tumor. That will be followed by more surgery and radiation.
Described as a semi-formal adult reception, the fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Dec. 15 at The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke, Shelby Township (thepalazzogrande.com). Tickets are $45 and include dinner, open bar, dancing, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and other surprises.
Advance tickets are required; none will be sold at the door. Send checks payable to Bailey Mackey Fundraiser Tickets (EIN 46-1373520) to Matthew Howell, CPA, f/b/o/ Bailey, 10013 Farley, Redford, MI 48239. Tickets may be charged at www.gofundme.com.
The fundraiser is being organized by Bailey’s Godparents, Matt Howell and Dawn Bovensiep. “They have worked so hard making this a first-class event,” White said. “It will show Bailey’s family the support they desperately need to continue this fight. I cannot begin to tell you what our family is feeling, what our little Bailey is going through, how she doesn’t really understand. She is only 8 years old.”
Donations are being accepted for the silent auction until December 2. To donate contact Bovensiep at (248) 495-4624..
