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SANPETE — Sanpete Gives Back was started six years ago to support an Ephraim woman who was battling terminal cancer. Her dying wish was that this event would help other families in the future. But it has done much more than help a new struggling family each year — it has helped uplift and connect the community.
Heidi Seely is currently enjoying the summer with her family after finishing her first year teaching elementary school. Her son was born in November, but in January everything changed when she suffered a seizure.
“That is when they found out I had a brain tumor — a grade two,” Seely said.
Family, friends and neighbors jumped in and took turns driving Seely to Provo for daily treatments while she continued to teach first grade.
"So she did 30 treatments of radiation and 42 treatments of chemo," husband Mike Seely explained.
Heidi Seely's courage didn't go unnoticed in the community, and she was nominated to be the recipient of this year's Sanpete Gives Back — which raises money each year to help a local family in need.
"We have the means in Sanpete, even though we are a small rural community, to be able to help those who go through those challenges,” said Brandon Olson, of Sanpete Gives Back.
So she did 30 treatments of radiation and 42 treatments of chemo.
–Mike Seely, husband
Olson learned firsthand just how much community support can lighten a family's burden during his wife Alisa's 10 1/2-year battle with cancer — which she lost three years ago.
"You are really focusing on what matters most to you and when you see the community come out and help you in that effort, it puts you in a state of being where you can’t stop giving,” Olson said.
Organizers are volunteering time, businesses are providing items for a silent auction, and softball teams are even coming together for a night of fun, which the Seely family said helps them know people really do care.
"Thanks to everybody who has been involved and trying to help our family out. We truly appreciate it, it means a lot to us,” Mike and Heidi Seely commented.
The softball games begin Friday at 7 p.m. and will go until Saturday morning.
Heidi Seely is scheduled for a tumor scan in 10 days, which will help doctors determine where her treatment will go from here.
