VALDOSTA – When friends of Tamela Myers learned of her cancer diagnosis, they decided to come together and help her. 

A benefit fundraiser is hosted in her honor 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Mikki’s Bar, 402 Northside Drive, to assist with travel and living expenses.

“I am so blessed and so thankful for my friends that are doing this,” she said. “They are working so hard to make it (a) success. … It’s very overwhelming and humbling that everyone is so willing to help.”

Myers was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in early December and entered remission in early March.

As a preventative measure to hinder leukemia or any other cancers, she will have a bone marrow transplant.

She currently travels to Augusta for medical visits but is planning to have her transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla.

Myers’ community work has influenced some of her friends to host this event for her. She is involved in the community assisting with cystic fibrosis awareness and helping organizations such as the Outback Riders. 

She faithfully supports the motorcycle club with its annual toy ride, said Steve Harmon, a member.

“She’s helped with that numerous (times) over the years,” he said. “She’s always giving so much to so many charity events and fundraisers.”

Harmon and the Outback Riders are part of the group organizing the benefit at Mikki’s.

He said they saw there was a need and decided to help; Myers has not been able to work due to her leukemia.

“She’s just always been there helping us, so it was just a way for us to help her,” he said.

Myers said she hopes to return to charity work following her transplant recovery. She especially would like to continue assisting the Outback Riders, she said.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction during the fundraiser. Barbecue plates and T-shirts are being sold.

Pre-sale tickets for the barbecue plates are available at Harmon’s Awards, the Georgia Beer Company and Mikki’s until Wednesday, May 1. The cost is $8.

The Tamela Colleen Myers Irrevocable Trust Fund has been set up at First Federal Bank in Valdosta for anyone who wishes to donate directly to the fund.

“I’m just thankful for good friends, and I’m thankful for this community,” Myers said. “No words can thank them enough for what they’re doing for me.”

Call Rick Folsom at (229) 561-7125 for more information.