Friday, January 17, 2025
“Lean on me when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” Most of us know the words to this classic tune, but few have taken it to heart as effectively as Wendy Meek and Artie Gray. These two, along with numerous other friends and family, are doing all they can to organize a BBQ fundraiser in support of their lifelong friend Kathy Rickabaugh Stevens, who was diagnosed with Signet cell carcinoma in November.
THE EVENT
Friends and family are calling on the Hood County community to help support Stevens, a woman who has given her entire life in service to the community she loves, through one of the hardest times of her life. Together, they’re organizing a BBQ dinner fundraiser featuring live and silent auctions.
“When I learned about her predicament, it was earth shattering. And I didn't have the means to help her personally, but I know how to bring people together and raise funds ... so that's how all of this really started,” explained Meek.
The event will take place at 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at Line Camp Venue, 4610 Shaw Road in Tolar. The fundraiser itself is free to attend, though dinner can be purchased by donation. All proceeds from the dinner and auctions will be given directly to Stevens and her medical treatment.
The auctions, so far, will feature a slew of items including baskets containing handcrafted leather goods and jewelry, baked goods from locally renowned bakers, landscaping services — even two peacock hens are on the docket!
STEVENS' STORY
Signet cell carcinoma is a rare, highly malignant and aggressive form of bladder cancer, affecting less than 1% of the population. There is only one form of treatment for this type of cancer, one that is incredibly expensive and poses risks of extreme side effects — most notably blindness.
Stevens, a lifelong Hood County resident, has dedicated her entire life toward the betterment of the community and in service of special needs and underprivileged children. She worked for Granbury ISD for more than 25 years, serving as a special education instructor.
In addition to her professional career, Stevens has also supported special needs children on the domestic front. Over her life, she has fostered over 30 children, all of whom had difficulty being placed due to mental or behavioral issues.
Of these 30 children, she adopted six, bringing the number of children she called her own to a tally of eight. Stevens’ husband passed away in 2014, leaving her as the sole provider for all the children in her charge.
One of the children she fostered, Alyssa Mounts, who affectionately called herself Stevens’ ‘bonus child,’ explained what kind of woman Stevens is.
"She gives and gives to anyone and everyone, even if she really doesn't have it. To give if someone else needs it, she makes sure they got it. Her heart is bigger than she is. Her strength to fight is stronger than an MMA fighter. Kathy will fight harder than anyone and kick cancer's ass."
Stevens first noticed something was wrong in August 2024, when she was feeling extreme pain in her abdomen. She drove to the hospital, believing she was experiencing a kidney stone, not expecting to receive the devastating news that her kidney had ruptured from a tumor.
The rupture then triggered an infection, which delayed both the treatment and diagnosis of her mysterious ailment. Stevens only just received word of her diagnosis with Signet cell carcinoma in late November.
Humbly, Stevens initially refused to ask anyone for help. She spent her life caring for others and didn’t want anyone to have to care for her. However, as bills poured in, she knew it was time to accept help from her community. From the very beginning of this journey, Meek had offered to step in and help fundraise, but it wasn’t until “too late” that Stevens finally accepted her offer.
"She finally told me, admitting that she waited too long to ask for help financially; she's still trying to work to this day,” said Meek.
Despite her troubles with her illness and mounting financial worries, Stevens has never stopped being hopeful. This attitude is a true testament to the kind of woman Stevens strives to be daily.
“It's shocking, but she's like, ‘I'm going to beat it.’ I mean, I'm sure deep down she's scared but she's not going to let it show for her kids and her family,” Meek explained.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
In addition to attendees for the fundraiser, the team is looking for any donations the community can contribute. They already have a venue, auctioneer, brisket and a few auction items, but they are going to need more if they are going to be successful in fully supporting Stevens through this time.
Meeks expressed that any donation of any size will be a huge help.
“Our goal in this is to not have to spend any money to do this fundraiser. I want to be able to give her every penny of everything,” Meek began. “We've been telling people, ‘It doesn't matter if you if you can only give $5. I can put that $5 with this $5 and that $5 until it all comes together’ ... it becomes a big deal. You know, times are hard.”’
If you are unable to donate to or attend the BBQ fundraiser, the team has also created custom T-shirts in support of Stevens’ journey available to purchase through donation.
For more information about the fundraiser, donations or T-shirt purchases, please contact Wendy Meek at 817-964-1004.
