Health and Fitness : Area crafters helping new breast cancer patient

Two area crafters have begun a fund-raising campaign to help a Vinton woman who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. "Some friends of mine are going through some very tough times," says Justin Meredith. Kim Thacker has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and will be going through a lot of tough times in the near future. Kim's husband Caleb Thacker contacted Meredith a while ago to make Kim an Iowa state cyclones Yeti insulated beverage cup. "I didn't get it done for her yet which brings an opportunity to my mind. I am going to make Kim her cup, but would like to sell it to the highest bidder and have the proceeds go to Kim and Calebs family," says Meredith. "As a reward, I will make another Yeti of the winning bidders choice to do with as they please." Already on Facebook, the bids are up to $500. Because of the tremendous response, Meredith has added a pink ribbon theme Now, another area family is helping. Mitch and Trisha Bunten of Bunten designs are donating a personalized cornhole bean bag game boards to the highest bidder. See the Facebook post HERE. There is a new web site for the Survivors of Benton County, a support group for breast cancer patients and survivors. See that page HERE.