Benefit Dinner Planned for Deb Hays

DAYTON - "I do have an unwanted visitor that we're hoping to get rid of shortly," is Deb Hays' stan- dard response to the many concerned citizens who visit Dayton's City Hall, where Hays works as Depu- ty Clerk. "People look at me like I'm crazy, but I think it's important to stay posi- tive and upbeat as much as possible." says Hays. "With so many people asking how I'm doing every day, it's not as if I can put it out of my mind."

Hays is on a mission to eradicate the tumor that has lodged itself in the right, back lobe of her brain, and friends and family are seeking community aid and support.

Longtime Dayton resi- dents, the Hays family plays an active role in the com- munity. Deb has been a 4-H leader for 14 years and has volunteered as bi-county 4-H Camp Director on numerous occasions. She is currently Dayton High School Booster Club President, Camp Wooten As- sociation Board Treasurer, Class of 2014 Fundraiser Co-coordinator, and a Lions Club member.

Hays' husband, Bert, works for the Columbia County Road Department. The couple have two children: a son, Logan, a sophomore at Dayton High School, and a daughter, Heather, earning her radia- tion technician certification at Bellingham Technical College.

Hays' saga began in- nocently enough, with a visit to the optometrist to renew her contact prescrip- tion in October. During the exam, the doctor noticed involuntary eye movement and suggested Hays see a neurologist.

A series of tests at Provi- dence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, led to a determination, in late December, that Hays had a lesion on her brain. Hays was referred to Harborview Stroke Clinic in Seattle, where her first appointment was scheduled for April 2.

Hays waited until April 24th to learn the results, which were read at the Department of Neurology at the University of Washing- ton. Her doctor determined it was "not favorable to op- erate" Instead, he suggested observation or radiation, though her case was placed before the tumor board which evaluates unusual cases.

In the meantime, Trina Cole, Hays' co-worker and friend, had Hays gather her test results and sent them to Nevada doctor Derek Duke for a second opinion. Duke, the neurosurgeon that treat- ed Roy Horn, of Siegfried and Roy, after a near-fatal tiger attack in 2003, and his wife, are the investors behind the new Best West- ern hotel in Dayton. Cole's husband, Dan, previously underwent back surgery performed by Duke, and the couple was impressed with his abilities.

Duke called Hays on May 2 after reviewing her files, and shared that if she was his family member, he would have her at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., under the care of Dr. Link. "I just cried," said Hays. "Minnesota is so far away, and I just saw money signs. But then friends started helping with airfare and everything, and it started to seem possible after all."

Shortly thereafter, Hays was notified that a doctor from the tumor board in Seattle had agreed to take on her case. She met with him on May 6 to learn that radiation is out of the question as the tumor is tucked behind a fold of skin, requiring good brain cells to be killed in order to reach the bad. The doctor did indicate that she is a candidate for surgery, though she has heard nothing further, to date.

In mid-May, Hays re- ceived a call from the Mayo clinic notifying her that she was scheduled for testing on June 26, followed by a meeting with Dr. Link. Regardless of what happens with the University of WA Hospital, Hays and her fam- ily wish to meet with Dr. Link to receive his evalua- tion.

"I just feel that God has put so many people in my path to lead me in that direction, that I need to follow through," said Hays. "Everyone tells me not to worry about money, but I do because we don't have a lot." Hays intends to follow through with whatever the Mayo Clinic recommends as the best course of action.

"It's difficult because there are just so many un- knowns," said Hays. "I'm a planner and I don't know if we'll be there for two days, or if they'll decide to do surgery right then and I'll need to get my whole family up there and possibly stay for an extended period of time." Regardless, Hays is focused on staying positive and doing what she can to put things in order for a potentially extended absence from work and home.

A "Deb Hays fund" has been set up at Banner Bank for those wishing to donate to the travel and living ex- penses of the family while at the Mayo Clinic. A spa- ghetti dinner is scheduled for June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room. Tick- ets are $10 per person or $5 for ages 5 and under. The dinner will also feature a silent auction and bake sale.