THANKS

I was born in Moses Lake, but until recently didn’t realize what a phenomenal group of people live here. From the moment my husband, Kirby Messer, was diagnosed with brain cancer, the community, friends and family, jumped into action.

AnnMarie Hermann stood up in the Catholic church to explain our dilemma, and within minutes collected $1,150.

Jennifer Walker and others organized a spaghetti feed at the Moses lake High School. REC paid the $1,000 insurance to hold the event. The commons was filled and Dale Roth (a lifelong friend) donated his time as others did. We even ran out of spaghetti! Papa John’s donated pasta to fill the need. We raised $11,500 that night.

Ben Getz is organizing an auction in November for Kirby’s benefit.

I am in awe at the response and donations. A “Kirby Derby” was done five years ago by Ben Getz and Keith Heupel when Kirby was initially diagnosed. Kirby felt such gratitude he continued it for years and gave the money to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. We had no idea we would ever be in need of the community’s support a second time. From the Moses Lake School District holding my job, to friends I didn’t even know I had, like Candice Boutilier at the newspaper; I want to express my heart felt thanks. Checks show up daily at Washington Trust and I have no way of personally thanking everyone.

I want you each to know we love and appreciate everything you have done to support us in our fight to save Kirby’s life. The Houston Clinic is very expensive ($30,000), but our last MRI showed the tumor shrank!  It’s because of this community, that I can face another day with my husband beside me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

Lori and Kirby Messer

Moses Lake