Helping Nannette: Benefit for cancer survivor sold out, but donations accepted

Stegall, who has known Mortensen for the past year or so, decided to put on the event — a three course meal for 50 that includes a silent auction — for one simple reason.

“She’s my friend, and I want to help her,” Stegall said. “I don’t like to sit back and watch things happen. I like to fix things.

“I’ve been really impressed with our community coming together to help when someone’s in need. Everybody wants to help,” said Stegall, an advertising representative at the Hood River News.

Mortensen was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2011 and has been in and out of treatment since.

“Initially, a lot went wrong, having been so late (of a) stage (when) diagnosed,” Mortensen said in a press release. When she went into remission in October 2013, “I was very hopeful that the cancer was gone,” she said.

The 44-year-old mother of two has endured surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, and is currently undergoing her fourth round of chemo — 12 treatments — Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland.

“I found OHSU in 2012 and have been having treatments there, which means I am driving to Portland two times a month,” she said.

The cancer has now spread to Mortensen’s liver, lungs, spleen and abdomen, and she is unable to continue her work as a hairdresser.

“I am doing an experimental treatment now, along with conventional chemotherapy called ‘immunotherapy,’” Mortensen said. “The chemo makes me very sick, and I have very few days during the month where I am well enough to work, so I’m going to spend what time I do have at home, taking care of my family.

“I’m hopeful — ever hopeful — that this will be successful, but for now, I’m taking everything one day at a time.”

Mortensen is married to Mike Mortensen and has a daughter, Jayde Marx, a freshman at Horizon Christian School, and son Cody Vieira, who is married and in the Marine Corps.

Stegall said those wishing to give monetary donations are welcome to bring them to the Hood River News office by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5.

“The point of the benefit is to raise money so she can concentrate on getting better instead of worrying about money,” Stegall said.