Mitchell comes together for local woman battling ovarian cancer
To help offset medical and travel expenses, Tiffany's family is hosting a community benefit on Saturday, April 26, at Thirsty's Bar in Mitchell. The event will feature a silent auction with over 50 items donated by local businesses, as well as a T-shirt sale and custom merchandise, including bracelets, pens and keychains branded with "Tiffany's Tribe."
"The support has been amazing," said Austin Vobr, Tiffany's brother, who helped organize merchandise sales. "I sold out of the first box faster than I expected. People have really shown up for her."
Tiffany is undergoing intensive chemotherapy — one seven-hour session every three weeks. So far, she has completed two rounds, though her second round was delayed due to a port infection. Her third and hopefully final round is scheduled for next week. If her scans look promising afterward, doctors will move forward with a hysterectomy that was originally planned for January. However, that surgery was postponed when doctors discovered the cancer had spread extensively throughout her abdomen during the first attempt.
"She's tough," said her mother, Kristy Vobr. "She's handling it the best she can, but it's hard watching her be away from the people and things she loves most."
Tiffany's life was once filled with practices, games and her job at Wendy's. She played basketball, bowling, softball and track with the Mitchell Special Olympics and the Sioux Falls Fireworks team — where she's known for her upbeat personality and determination.
"She's always smiling and tries her best, no matter the sport," said Becky Brennan, a coach with the Fireworks. "She has such a kind heart — she always makes sure to say hi to everyone."
Though chemotherapy has sidelined her from competing, Tiffany was able to walk in with her team at the recent Special Olympics basketball tournament held in Mitchell.
"It meant the world to her," Kristy said.
Her absence has been felt throughout the community — especially at LifeQuest, where she was a regular participant in activities and events, and at Thirsty's Wednesday night bingo, where she used to join in weekly. Tiffany tried attending recently, but the noise was too overwhelming. Still, Thirsty's is pitching in for the benefit, donating proceeds from $5 bingo cards to Tiffany's fund and providing light food for attendees.
Kristy has even stepped in to bowl on Tiffany's Sunday night league.
"I'm the better bowler, though," Tiffany said.
The Vobr family is no stranger to this kind of fight. In 2011, Austin was diagnosed with leukemia. After five months and four rounds of chemo, he's now been cancer-free for 13 years.
"Cancer sucks," Kristy said. "It's the hardest thing we've gone through as parents. No family should have to go through this twice."
Still, despite the setbacks, Tiffany remains optimistic. Recently, she delayed one of her treatments by a day just so she could take her young nephew to the circus. She also picked out a new wig in a bright purple hue — her favorite color and a perfect match for her bold spirit.
"She's had some really hard days, but she always bounces back," Kristy said.
Looking ahead, Tiffany is hopeful that she'll be back on the field and court soon. After recovery, her goal is to return to sports and spend more time at LifeQuest — and maybe take a break from working to focus on what brings her joy.
The benefit for Tiffany Vobr will take place Saturday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Thirsty's, located at 1500 N. Duff in Mitchell. The silent auction will begin around 4:30 p.m., and bingo will run throughout the evening. All proceeds will support Tiffany's ongoing treatment and recovery.
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