Over $8,000 raised during Kickin’ it for Kim
The Olde Fish House was bursting at the seams Sunday afternoon as a crowd filled the back of the Matlacha business to support a local resident who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
The afternoon, which was filled with live music, food, raffles and silent auction items, raised more than $8,000 that will go towards Kimberly Marie O’Rourke’s medical expenses and bills.
Olde Fish House Marina operating manager Lisa Dence said they would like to thank all the island businesses for stepping up to the plate and giving either a cash donation or items to be raffled off during the event on Sunday.
She said throughout the day they probably had about 600 people attend the event, which was held from 2-6 p.m.
“It’s just amazing,” said Kim, 46, who the benefit was held for. “Very overwhelming.”
She said there are so many good, loving people in one spot.
“I’m amazed there are so many great people in one area and I happen to be with them in a very trying time in my life,” Kim said.
Members of Palmetto Pines Country Club in Cape Coral, where she works, along with fellow employees came out and attended the Kickin’ it for Kim benefit.
“They came out to give their support,” Kim said.
At the beginning of October she began to feel very tired and her energy was pretty much gone.
“I had zero energy all the time,” she said. “I knew something was wrong.”
On Oct. 1 she was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, which has moved into her lymph nodes and bones.
After being in the hospital for 45 days, Kim said she is feeling pretty good.
As of right now she has chemotherapy at the Regional Cancer Center every Friday until further notice. Kim said the center provides a very pleasant atmosphere, which makes the appointments a little easier.
She said the doctors want to shrink the tumor before she has mastectomy surgery.
Before the event Sunday, Kim was treated to a week stay at Fernando’s Hideaway in Matlacha, which she really enjoyed.
“Very uplifting,” she said.
Joseph Thomas O’Rourke, otherwise known as “Shadow,” Kim’s father, said the event was awesome.
“This community is wonderful,” he said of the support they received Sunday afternoon.
Sherry Roth, a friend of Shadow’s, thought the event was a great success as well.
“There’s a wonderful turnout and the music is awesome,” she said. ‘We are all here for a good time. I hope I win the 50/50, so I can give it back to her.”
Another benefit is in the planning stages for Kim and her family, with an anticipated date in January. Dence said they are having a meeting at the Olde Fish House Marina on Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to volunteer for the Kickin’ it for Kim Poker Ride.