Fundraiser Will Benefit Granddaughter of Rochester Hills Volunteer

A Rochester Hills grandma — one who has been known to help others during the holidays — is asking for help of a different kind this season.

Bailey Mackey, the 8-year-old granddaughter of Sue White, is fighting a rare form of cancer, and friends and family in Rochester are pitching in to help Bailey, White, and the family.

White was a longtime leader of Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills. The organization helps local families with food and gifts at Christmastime.

Rochester Patch profiled White two years ago in .

"She has giving so much to the city around the holidays, with giving out food and secret Santa to less fortunate children," said Dawn Bovensiep in an email to Rochester Patch. "I am hoping the city can help her and her family in this time of need."

Bovensiep and Matt Howell are Bailey's godparents; they are organizing a fundraiser to help White's family with medical expenses surrounding Bailey's recent diagnosis with a Stage 4 Wilm's tumor on her kidney. Bailey, who lives in Macomb Township, loves music, clothes and dancing, her family said. She is recovering from a seven-hour surgery for her cancer while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. She is facing more surgeries and radiation. 

A Dec. 15 fundraiser at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township will benefit Bailey's family. The event, from 6 p.m.- midnight, is described as a semi-formal adult reception; tickets are $45 a person and include dinner, an open bar, dancing and a silent auction. All of the proceeds will go toward Bailey's treatment. 

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Dec. 3; tickets will not be sold at the door. To obtain tickets, write to: Matthew Howell CPA f/b/o/ Bailey; 10013 Farley; Redford, MI 48239 or by charge: www.gofundme.com (Bailey Mackey).

For more information, contact Dawn at (248) 495-4624 or Matt at (248) 767-3716