Teammate holds benefit for Jamie Young

A lifelong friend and softball teammate of Jamie Young of Havre is leading a benefit to help defray Young's medical costs as she again battles cancer.

Brandy Kurtz, the Havre Softball Association secretary, has organized four softball games, a raffle, a 50/50 pot, and a silent auction for Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Havre Softball Complex. Concessions will serve beer, burgers, hot dogs and polish dogs, the flyer says, and all net proceeds will go to Young.

The softball teams will play at 6:15 and 7:30 p.m.

Kurtz said that Young's boyfriend, Kerry Olson, will play with his softball team, "Mojo," against Kurtz's team.

Young was diagnosed in February with advanced Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, a recurrence of her 2011 diagnosis, a Facebook post Young made in April reads.

"I have been told there is essentially no cure or possibility of remission," Young wrote in the Facebook post. "Dr. Henry was very blunt and advised me that they cannot tell me how much time I have. The goal is long-term management and quality of life."

An attorney who has her own law office in Havre, Young is also an associate justice for the Chippewa Cree Tribal Appellate Court, her LinkedIn profile says.

Young returned to the court, she wrote in her April Facebook post, adding that she reduced her caseload to ensure she could provide her clients "the representation they expect and deserve."

"I am looking forward to re-focusing on work," she added in the post, "and adjusting to my new normal."

Young was born and raised in Havre, Kurtz said, and played on several softball teams since high school. Kurtz added that her parents are Scott and Kaye Young, owners of Norman's Ranch and Sportswear.

"I know the family real well," Kurtz said, adding, "(The benefit) is a way for us as an association to say thank-you and to give back."

In a message to the Daily News, Young wrote that she was thankful for the support.

"Words cannot begin to express the my appreciation and gratitude to Brandy Kurtz for reaching out and offering to spearhead this event," Young said.

She added that she understood several businesses and individuals had contacted Kurtz with offers to donate and help with the event.

"The way that this community rallies for people is amazing," Young said.

After the benefit the Havre Softball Association will give Young a check with 100 percent of the net proceeds from concessions and beer sales, plus 100 percent of the proceeds from the raffle, 50/50 pot and silent auction, Kurtz said.

"Sometimes there is a misconception about the cost and expenses associated with cancer treatment," Young said.

A cancer diagnosis results in a financial burden on the patient and the patient's support system, Young added, "regardless of how good one's insurance coverage might be." The burden often includes a loss of income or wages for both the patient and the support system, she said, plus gas, airfare, and hotel expenses for treatments.

"I understand the significant financial burden that people face fighting this terrible disease," Young said, "and I feel so blessed for the support."

Anyone interested in donating to or helping with the event can call Brandy Kurtz, Havre Softball Association secretary, at 406-390-0091.