Kellyville Residents Raise Money For Cancer Patient

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

KELLYVILLE, OK -- A Creek County community has opened its arms to a single mother struggling to survive. 

In February, doctors told 36-year-old Kim Jones she only has weeks to live and without health insurance, she says she can't afford the medical fight.

Jones' hometown of Kellyville is giving her hope.  A spaghetti luncheon fundraiser was held Sunday and even complete strangers were there, saying it's the Oklahoma way.

Enough pasta to serve 1,000 people was cooked in a tiny church kitchen.

"It really melts my heart, the generosity of the people here. This is a true community," said Stephanie Canada, who is a friend of Jones.

Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and she beat it. But a few months ago, she was diagnosed with bone cancer.

"It's stage 4, which there's really nothing that can be done," said Jones.

Jones was medically discharged from work, and that meant she lost her health insurance.

"Whatever I have to do to fight for my life to be with my kids, I'm gonna do," said Jones.

Her town threw the spaghetti luncheon to raise money and more than 500 people enjoyed the food.

Ann Parrot never met Kim, but drove nearly 45 minutes to show her support.

"We drove up and we couldn't believe the crowd, and the cars lined up down the street. It's wonderful. It's inspiring," said Parrot, a Broken Arrow resident.

Canada, on the other hand, has been Kim's friend since Kindergarten.

"She's truly my hero," said Canada.

In just a few hours, more than $10,000 was raised. It's money Jones plans on using for COBRA insurance, and to pay for her prescriptions and equipment. 

For health reasons, Jones couldn't be at the luncheon, but wrote what she called the most important thank you letter of her life.

"There are not enough words to express my thankfulness to my Kellyville family, a small community with a big heart," Jones wrote in her letter.

"The community, just them sticking behind me, makes me want to fight even harder. That I have all these people in my court, gonna help me through this," said Jones.

Jones says she'll start another round of chemotherapy later this week.

Jones has set up a bank account to help with her medical expenses:

• Kim Jones Fund c/o American Heritage Bank P.O. Box 668 Kellyville, OK 74039