Plant City shows the true power of unity and compassion as residents raise money to support family whose daughter is battling brain cancer.
It’s heartwarming when a community comes together to support a family dealing with a difficult situation. More than 1,500 Plant City residents came together last weekend at the Big Red Barn to hold a remarkable fundraiser. The event not only showcased the community’s strong spirit but raised an impressive sum of money through a silent auction and raffle for the family of 13-year-old Avery Fales, who was diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) sarcoma in May.
Lisa Taylor, event manager at Big Red Barn Events who organized the event in conjunction with the AlexStrong Foundation, said it was their largest event ever. “Avery’s uncle lives within a mile of us and when I saw on Facebook what they were going through me and my mom decided we needed to do something to try to bring something positive and help the family,” she said.
Taylor reached out to Lori Sumner, founder of the AlexStrong Foundation, whom she had met when Sumner’s son was battling cancer several years ago. “Laurie had a vacation planned the only weekend we could have it but cancelled her plans,” she said.
With the event less than four weeks away, Sumner created a flyer about the fundraiser and posted it on Facebook. Staples printed 500 copies of the flyer at no charge and they started taking them to local businesses. That’s when the magic started happening.
“Once word got out, Plant City came together and just showed up,” said Taylor. “It was such a huge success.”
Local businesses, organizations and individuals rallied together, generously contributing items for the silent auction and raffle. Hundreds of baskets overflowing with goodies, Yeti coolers, signed footballs, sports jerseys, hockey tickets, jewelry and concert tickets arrived at the barn up until the day of the event. A 24’ x 24’ pole barn, a processed steer and customized utility trailer were also among the list of donated items.
“It took a lot of planning but it was really easy because so many people came together and offered their helping hands, it was more than we could have ever imaged,” said Taylor. “This experience made me love my community even more and I’m proud to call Plant City home.”
She’s quick to point out that the event was a small deed when compared to the battle Avery’s family is waging against the cancer. “Their battle is much bigger really,” she said.
Avery has had three brain surgeries since her diagnosis on May 24. She’s receiving treatment in Memphis at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Her dad, Jamey Fales, said doctors are confident they removed all of the tumor but she’ll need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy and he expects her to be in Tennessee until the end of 2023.
He’s been blown away by the community’s support.
“This situation has been a nightmare but made manageable through the efforts of family, friends and many people that I’ve never even met,” he said. “This is going to be a several year journey and I’m thankful that everyone has rallied around Avery like this.”
Avery’s mom, Tamara Nash Jemison, said that family and community support they’ve received while they’re living this frightening nightmare has been a humbling experience. “She’s seen all the texts, calls, Facebook posts, care packages and people driving here to sit and pray with us, it just leaves us speechless,” she said. “It’s very heartwarming to know that so many people are loving on our little girl right now, we’re just so blessed.”
