MUSKEGON, Mich. — Angie Murar has been battling breast cancer since December 2013.
But while she's been fighting her own battle, she's spent most of her time trying to give back and help others who are going through the same ordeal.
FOX 17 first introduced viewers to Murar in June. During her numerous appointments for her chemotherapy, Murar, 35, came up with an idea to help her 'fellow fighters' by creating Chemo Survival Kits for other cancer patients.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Items and donations came in from around the world.
But the tables were turned Sunday afternoon. Several hundred people attended a fundraiser at Witlow's Banquet Hall in Muskegon to pay it forward and raise money for Murar to thank her for all she's done for others.
“It’s unbelievable to have all these people come together just to support me," Murar said. “It really lifts my spirits to know I have so many people behind my back, and it just makes me feel stronger.”
The fundraiser, the inspiration of a few close friends and family, was Halloween-themed in honor of Angie's favorite holiday.
Bobby Lusby, a friend who helped organize the event, said he's continually inspired by how Angie has dealt with her diagnosis.
“It doesn’t surprise, because that’s who she is, but for her to go through this the way she has, she has got more style and more grace than anybody I know," Lusby said.
"Honestly, she should be focusing on herself, trying to take care of herself, and instead she’s collecting donations to give back to other people who are going through the same thing. She’s remarkable.”
The aim of the fundraiser was both to thank Angie and to raise money to help pay for her mounting medical bills, Lusby said.
“Nobody should have to go broke because they got sick," he said. "She shouldn’t have to lose everything. She’s worked so hard just to survive.”
Murar said her last radiation treatment is fittingly scheduled for Halloween, but she still anticipates two or three more surgeries in the near future. She plans to continue creating the Chemo Survival Kits, this time for kids fighting cancer at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.
“So many people are affected, not just myself. And I think I’ve been awakened to that," Murar said. "So if you can do something to help somebody else going through something that’s so terrible, then you should.”
Individuals interested in helping Murar or donating items for her Chemo Survival Kits can contact Bobby Lusby at 231-206-1462.
