NEBRASKA CITY –  Communities in Otoe County have rallied in support of a family whose struggle against thyroid cancer has been distressing.

Terry Bassinger, a Dunbar volunteer firefighter, was diagnosed in 2022 and underwent surgery, but learned this summer the cancer had returned. In June, the family learned that their daughter Allie was diagnosed and each of the remaining three children were also tested. A second daughter was also diagnosed with the disease.

Cassie Royal, who works with Allie at Prestige Care in Nebraska City, helped organize benefits including a corn hole benefit.

Royal: “Allie’s family has always been out there and about -- always  helping other people -- so it’s time to help them out.”

The Dunbar Volunteer Fire Department held a pancake breakfast and silent auction earlier this month that raised $20,000 and the corn hole tournament brought in 12 teams.

Allie: “All the benefits are such great help. They’ve all turned out so good. It’s just a major help. These benefits are something that takes it off our back, that we don’t have to worry about everything going on.”

 

 

Dawn Richardson, a Dunbar neighbor, said the pancake feed and silent auction turned out to be a bigger event than they expected as the community learned of the heartbreaking diagnoses in the family one after another.

She said while they can not take away the cancer and all that burden, they just want to do what they can to make life a little better. She called the Bassingers an amazing family that does not want to ask for help or bring the limelight on to them, but the donations relief the stress of figuring out how to make a house payment or utilities.

Richardson said the community support is not only financial, but also in prayers and cheers.

Allie was also honored as the Nebraska City Pioneers’ homecoming queen and is playing on the volleyball team. She is scheduled for surgery next week, while her sister waits on additional testing.

Bassinger: “Knowing I have all these people from each benefit, all the people here, just makes me know they are all there to support me to fight and push through it all.”

Relatives Tim and Rachelle Goering sponsored a Go Fund Me page since 2022.