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Red Deer musicians perform benefit for Blackfalds mother with cancer

Friday’s concert will assist Heather Mones and family
web1_Heather_photo
Heather Mones and her family

Four local bands are throwing a benefit concert on Friday for a Blackfalds mother who’s battling cancer.

The Dirrty Show, The Discmen, The Frank and Varia’s Station will perform in an eclectic lineup at The Vat. All proceeds from their 8 p.m. show will be going to their “dear friend,” Heather Mones, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

The diagnosis came as a “huge shock” to Mones and her family. Since she’s only 33 years old, the situation also hit close to home with her friends, who are all about the same age, said Melody Stang of The Dirrty Show.

The musicians want to help generate more funds to assist the family than a GoFundMe campaign could raise with donations.

Heather has just finished the first round of chemo and radiation and will need surgery to remove the tumour and affected lymph nodes. A six-week recovery period will follow her operation, as well as another four months of “very aggressive” chemotherapy.

Heather’s husband, Patrick Mones, has not been able to find full-time employment in the oilfield that offers extended health benefits. He now needs to be home to help support Heather and help care for their two small children.

Friends of the Mones family say many of the medications Heather will need are not covered. “Financial worries are not what this young family needs while Heather fights for her life.”

The proceeds raised will help pay for her medications, fuel costs to hospital, and any child care costs that many arise.

Some generous local businesses have already donated items for the silent auction, which will start at 7 p.m. at The Vat. (Anyone wanting to make more donations can email togetherforheather@gmail.com).

lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com