By Joe Bachman

“Our world just got turned upside down like a drop of a hat.”

RUDOLPH — Words from Mother Holly Ihrcke, regarding her daughter Lily’s diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just months ago. On Sept. 9, a benefit will be held in her honor.

Called “Help Lily Take Over Cancer”, the benefit will seek to raise money for medical expenses to help Lily battle cancer. On June 16, a bone marrow biopsy led to the diagnosis of ALL. She was kept overnight and received a blood transfusion — a process that could repeat, and keep Lily away from her family for days at a time.

Lily has been receiving treatment since June 20, and is considered high risk because of her age and test results. She has also gained weight and lost some hair due to the procedures. Treatments can last up from four to eight hours at a time, and according to Holly, Lily’s father is battling his own health issues, which often leads to the family rushing to find help watching their other daughter, Emma.

“Her doctor is amazing, and thinks that she will need to be having treatments for at least 2-2 ½ years,” said Ihrcke. “That’s a lot of times going up to Marshfield and finding sitters. Treatment days make for a very long day for everyone.”

“Help Lily Take Over Cancer” will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rudolph Community Park, located at 1757 Park St.

“Lily is a very smart, sassy, full of energy little girl,” said Ihrcke. “She tends to be shy at times but when she’s not, she’s a little spit fire. She usually always is cheery and smiley and always being silly.”

For more information, please check out their Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/133739287224133/