Over $16,000 was raised at the benefit dinner for a 24-year-old Sandpoint woman recently diagnosed with a rare form of heart cancer, and her family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to their community for lending its support.

In January, Sierra Kramer was diagnosed with Stage II Cardiac Angiosarcoma, a rare group of soft tissue sarcomas, characterized by aggressive local growth and early spread. Because this cancer is so rare, most oncologists are unfamiliar with its treatment. Luckily, Sierra’s family discovered a doctor in Houston, Texas, who is experienced in treating this form of cancer.

However, the surgery is not cheap. On June 9, a benefit dinner was held at the Hoot Owl in Ponderay to help raise money for Sierra’s treatment. The dinner alone helped the family raise over $16,000 and a donation jar has collected roughly $2,000 so far.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the businesses and everyone who contributed to Sierra’s fundraiser and silent auction,” said Cindy Kramer, Sierra’s mom. “Your generous donations will help significantly in her fight against this aggressive rare cancer and get her closer to her goal for heart surgery.”

While the family is still a long way from reaching their goal to fund the treatment, they are even further away from giving up hope. A GoFundMe campaign is ongoing to accept donations for Sierra’s surgery and a benefit account has been set up as well at the P1FCU in Ponderay under Sierra’s name.

To donate to Sierra’s GoFundMe page, go to bit.ly/3oG4UYx.