Cindy McCoy has battled and survived breast cancer twice before. She lost her son tragically in 2005, and now she is in the midst of another hardship: she has been diagnosed with terminal stage IV spindle cell sarcoma.
Despite her struggles, the aunt, mother, grandmother and nanny maintains a positive attitude and unwavering faith.
McCoy's spirit has reached far and wide, and Sunday, Oct. 27, a benefit will be held in her honor. Live music by local acts, including The Voice's Vicci Martinez, will be part of the celebration. A silent auction will take place as well, with donated items including a weekend cabin getaway; a custom-made gun safe; a $1,000 Home Depot gift card with three days labor; artwork; window tinting; and a private performance by Martinez.
"It's Cindy's infectious personality and her smile," said Stacia Dorman, event organizer, on why she believes the community is showing such tremendous support. "Plus, cancer sucks. It's the only way to put it. So many people are affected by it. I know Vicci in particular has lost her dad to cancer, so I know it's a very personal issue. Seems everyone by now has someone close to them that has been affected, so they like to help anyway they can."
At this point, McCoy has been denied medical assistance, and she is unable to work. All proceeds from the event go directly to help offset medical costs.
"We hope it's a nice event for her," Dorman said. "She's an incredible woman. She was our nanny for years; she resided in our home for 10 years. She had various jobs, but found her calling with children. She's just an incredible woman."
Here's Sunday's the musical line up:
5 p.m.: Mooseunit AKA Liquid Courage
6 p.m.: Doug McCoy
7 p.m.: Vicci Martinez
8 p.m.: Zero Love
Credit cards will be accepted for auction items. Cash donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank into the donation account "Cindy McCoy benefit."
Tickets are $25 for ages 13 and older; 12 and younger free. The show is all-ages until 8 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.cindymccoybenefit.com/ .
CINDY MCCOY BENEFIT FEATURING VICCI MARTINEZ, 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, $25, 253.572.2821