CRESTVIEW — Michael Ayers’ family seeks the community’s support for the 29-year-old recently diagnosed with leukemia.
A benefit fish fry and auction is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Old Spanish Trail Park. Proceeds will benefit costs of medical treatments and medications.
Michael, who lacks health insurance, is receiving six weeks of chemotherapy treatment at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
"The chemo has recently kicked (the leukemia) out of his bloodstream," event organizer Andrea Lauren David, Michael’s ex-wife, said. "Right now, he is awaiting results on his bone marrow."
Family life
Michael has four children, Elizabeth, 12, and Kyle, 10, with Andrea; Memphis, 5 months, with his girlfriend, Victoria; and Alexandra Brooke, 13, from a prior relationship.
He attends all his children's activities and sporting events, like Kyle's inner-city football games or Elizabeth’s horse riding, and he regularly calls Alexandra, who lives with other family members in Omaha, Neb., Andrea said.
"His kids are his world; nothing is more important to him," she said.
Financial strain
Michael was working in construction before his diagnosis; his current unemployment and lack of insurance have made it difficult to support his family and cover health care costs.
Meanwhile, Victoria, a stay-at-home mom, spends $70 on gas, taking trips from Crestview to Pensacola to spend time with him, Andrea said.
"Something had to be done," she said.
Fish fry for a cause
Family members hope proceeds from a fish fry and auction on Saturday will significantly offset Michael’s medical bills. Patrons can feast on fried mullet and hush puppies, a side of coleslaw, and baked beans with a beverage.
Activities include a yard sale; children’s pony rides, courtesy of Ropin’ the Truth; an inflatable bounce house; live music from local musicians; and an auction.
Organizers have collected gift certificates and items from local restaurants and businesses including Wayne's Catfish House and Publix Grocery in Crestview, Andrea said.
She and other family members seek additional support.
"We are still going from business to business," she said.
Want to go?
WHAT: Fish fry and auction benefiting Michael Ayers
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview
COST: $5, adults; $3, children ages 10 and younger
DETAILS: Andrea Ayers, 603-3381 or Ayer25@hotmail.com, or Alisha Kyser, 902-1045 or kysermom@gmail.com
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fish fry, auction to benefit Crestview man with leukemia