Deerfield alumni band to host fundraiser Sept. 8 for cancer-stricken classmate
In April of 2005, Deni Belson Austin was an Account Executive for a division of the Estee Lauder, Co. when she was diagnosed with a grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, an incurable and highly aggressive form of brain cancer. “Originally the Mayo Clinic had given me 5 – 8 months without treatment and offered me little chance of surviving past a year even with treatment,” said Austin. At the suggestion of Evelyn Lauder, Austin chose to receive her treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
For the past six-and-a-half years, Austin's tumor has remained stable but this past February, she experienced a recurrence and needed to once again undergo both brain surgery and radiation treatments. Although MDA is no longer in her insurance network, she and her family decided that it was still the best place for her to receive her current chemotherapy treatments.
Although she was very private about her illness initially, she chose this time to be more open and not hide her diagnosis or treatment. She started by telling former classmates at her 30th Deerfield High School reunion and doesn't regret it for one minute. “It was the best decision I've ever made,” said Austin. “I've never felt more supported and loved.”
When friend and former Deerfield High School (DHS) classmate, Lisa Stanley, first heard about Austin's battle with cancer at their reunion, she wanted to help any way that she could and has now made it her mission. Not only is she a cancer survivor, but her daughter is as well. These experiences have made Stanley well aware of the financial burden one encounters when diagnosed with a critical illness. Not to mention the feelings of loneliness and helplessness that accompany a devastating diagnosis such as Austin's. “I felt an immediate connection with Deni and wanted to help,” said Stanley. “Once I announced that I would like to host a fund-raiser for Deni to help offset the costs of her medical bills, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity of so many old friends.”
The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, September 8 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Trax Tavern & Grill, 833 Deerfield Road in Deerfield. It will include raffles, prize giveaways and a performance by high school rock & roll band, Blitz Creek, class of '81 - performing together again after 30 years. Admission can be purchased for $25 at the door. All proceeds will go towards offsetting the cost of Austin's treatments.