Last Saturday, 32 individuals participated in a pool tournament at Beck’s Pub in Becker to benefit two families suffering from cancer.
The 8-ball pool tournament began at 10 a.m. with a $25 entry fee. Payout was determined by the number of entries and the event also featured raffle drawings, a silent auction and a lunch of brats, chips and beverages.
The event’s proceeds were then donated to the families of Jaida Hamacher of Becker and Christie Thomas of Big Lake.
“We had a great turnout from these communities,” said organizer Ron Knapper. “We started this six years ago when a friend of mine passed away and it’s juts grown bigger and bigger each year.”
Knapper is also appreciative of the 100+ businesses that donate money and prizes to the cause. One prize donated — A Clam fish house — was raffled off to a lucky winner from more than 260 ticket buyers.
“We are so grateful to the area businesses that have joined us in this effort,” said Knapper.
Jaida Hamacher
(The following information is composed from Jaida’s GoFundMe page).
Around 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Jaida Hamacher was being her usual daring four-year-old self, when she was leaning back on the high bench at the kitchen table and tipped over, sending her head first toward the hard wood floor.
She hit the back of her head, but did not lose consciousness or have any cuts or lumps in the area. Mom and dad —Melissa and Kyle— iced the area while she rested for a bit.
They monitored for typical concussion symptoms and decided if symptoms occurred and/or persisted, an ER visit would be warranted.
Jaida threw up about one hour later. She consistently complained of a headache, and was even acting lethargic. This was enough for Melissa and Kyle to make a trip to the emergency room.
On the way to CentraCare Hospital in Monticello, Jaida threw up once again. After a full neuro assessment was completed, the doctor determined Jaida had a mild concussion.
They administered Tylenol and Zofran, and Jaida appeared to stabilize. The doctor decided to monitor her for a bit longer to see if there were any changes in her symptoms.
Almost ready to pack things up and head for home, Jaida threw up yet another time. A CT was then advised and ordered.
The doctor said there didn’t appear to be an injury from the fall, instead, the CT showed a mass directly in the center of Jaida's head, which was blocking the ventricles, causing swelling in Jaida's brain (hydrocephalus).
By 11:30 p.m., Jaida was immediately admitted to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis for further evaluation.
Christie Thomas
(The following information is composed from Christie’s GoFundMe page).
Christie Thomas was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine (small cell) stage 4 cancer that took her life within six months and left her family both emotionally and financially in distress.
“Christie was one of the most generous and kind-hearted I knew to the many people around, as she has done so much for our community,” said her friend Tricia Gruba.
Christie was 41 years old and a single mother of four wonderful children when she died. She worked three jobs to support her family. Christie grew up in Big Lake and had chosen to raise her family there. Christie prided herself on being an independent mom that not only was hard working but was there for her children. Her children have been very active with the sports in the Big Lake community. Christie loved to volunteer her time to help support the teams.
Currently, Christie’s kids are in jeopardy of being split apart from the twins father. The twins father had very little interaction with them in the last 15 years of their life.
Jamey (Christie's sister) is trying to get full custody of all three boys. With the lack of funds available she is no longer able to retain her lawyer and is in need of financial help to keep this family together. The money raised will go toward legal fees to try and keep this family together.
The Cancer Sucks Pool Tournament raised well over $7,000 for the two affected families. Curt Taylor won the pool tournament.
