Teeing up support for Crosby

The Aurora community will come together Friday to support a local woman as she continues her fight against breast cancer through a benefit golf tournament organized by friends, coworkers and supporters.
Diagnosed Jan. 29 with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Carrie Crosby is nearing a major milestone in her treatment journey. She received her eighth and final chemotherapy treatment Monday and will now prepare for surgery later this summer, followed by radiation treatments.
“My doctors have been incredible throughout this journey so far,” she said.
Radiation treatments will take place five days a week for a month, requiring frequent travel to Lincoln. Throughout the process, she has received care through the April Sampson Cancer Center.
While the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment have been significant, Crosby said the financial impact of being unable to work full-time has also been difficult.
“Not being able to work for a few months has been hard financially,” she said. “Once I figured out my symptoms and how I felt, I was able to work a few hours a week at Poco, which has helped me get out of the house and see my Poco family.”
She said support from family, friends and the community has helped carry her through the difficult months.
“There have been physical challenges, emotional ups and downs and numerous trips to Lincoln for treatment, labs and appointments,” she said. “My family and friends have been very supportive through this. One thing that has helped us is staying positive and having a good sense of humor.”
She also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from the community.
“The Aurora community has been humbling,” she said. “The amount of support is amazing and there is no place I would rather live.”
Support has come in many forms, including a meal train, cards, monetary donations, gas cards, restaurant gift cards, a year of Walmart delivery service, family photographs before treatments began and countless other acts of kindness.
“I just want to thank everyone who has supported my family and I throughout this journey so far,” she said.
The idea for the golf benefit originated with two of her coworkers and close friends from Poco Creek Golf Course.
“When I was diagnosed, my ‘Poco Sisters’ Ashley Freeman and Kortney Williams mentioned having a benefit golf tournament,” she said. “I said of course. I think by the end of the day, they were both busy getting things going for it.”
Since then, numerous volunteers and donors have stepped forward to help organize the event.
“So many people are helping throughout the day and have donated so much to have this tournament and I can’t thank them enough,” she said.
The tournament will also serve as a celebration, coming just days after her final chemotherapy treatment.
“I have even more to celebrate at the tournament, being my last chemo is a few days before,” she said. “I might not be feeling the greatest, but I will be there in and out throughout the day.”
Tournament organizers hope the event will not only help offset medical and travel expenses, but also demonstrate the strength of a community rallying around one of its own.
Anyone wanting to support the cause can make a donation to the Carrie Fight Fund at Pinnacle Bank in Aurora.