Hite family feeling 'beyond blessed' after successful event for youth with brain cancer

It was a bit tough for mom Tristan Hite to speak through tears of joy and appreciation when she shared how the “We Fight for Family” benefit went for her daughter, Tammi.

"People are so incredibly sweet and kind and beautiful," said Hite, of Coeur d'Alene. "The community we live in is beyond words phenomenal. I cried several times throughout the night, just completely overwhelmed with the kindness."

Between gift baskets, donations, raffles and an auction that included an adorable puppy, the event raised more than $50,000 for Tammi, an incoming Woodland Middle School seventh-grader who was diagnosed with brain cancer in April.

The event was held recently at Alt’s Copperhouse in Post Falls and was attended by many friends, loved ones and community members.

"To see them all pull together for my baby girl, I get teared up thinking about it," Hite said.

She said the puppy alone brought in more than $5,000, and he was gifted to Tammi as a snuggle buddy and longtime friend to help her get through the hard days of chemotherapy and radiation ahead.

"She’s in love with her puppy," Hite said. "She named him Scout. He's a golden retriever and we have another one at home. They hit it off like besties right away."

Tammi was diagnosed with high grade glioma brain cancer after doctors found a mass when they checked her over following a super slow recovery from a small wreck on her scooter. She immediately had brain surgery, followed by several health complications that landed her back in the hospital. Then doctors found a wispy tumor that has needed more treatment and will require surgery in the near future.

Hite happily reported that a follow-up MRI showed no new tumors. They will soon find out how the wispy tumor has reacted to treatments and when the next surgery will need to be scheduled.

Hite said any funds left over from this huge showing of generosity will be put into a special account to support Tammi's ongoing medical bills.