South Beloit Police Officer Battling Cancer to Be Honored at Benefit

After serving her community for decades, a former police officer from Illinois is now receiving support from the people she once served.

A Community Comes Together for Sandy Messenger

A benefit for former South Beloit Police Officer Sandy Messenger is planned for Saturday, September 26, at the South Beloit Businessmen's Hall on Washington Street.

Messenger began her career as a dispatcher before becoming a police officer, eventually serving the community for 25 years before retiring. Now, she is facing a very different challenge: a battle with throat cancer.

Messenger Continues Recovery After Cancer Treatment

According to her cousin, Charmel Jacobs, Messenger has completed radiation treatment for cancer located in her larynx, or voice box. Doctors believe the treatment was successful and may have eliminated the cancer, but her recovery is continuing.

Messenger's voice has not yet returned following radiation, and Jacobs said she is also preparing for major surgery for a separate, non-cancer-related medical issue that had to be postponed during her cancer treatments.

Benefit Will Feature Food, Music, and Bags Tournament

The September 26 benefit will include a bags tournament, with teams able to enter for $30. Live music from Ruffcutz is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., food will be catered by Mary Cornell, plus a 50-50 drawing, and more than 100 raffle baskets will be auctioned off.

A big-screen television, grill with deep fryer, and a special raffle will be held for a chance to win a $1,200 Pinnons gift card along with a freezer. Raffle tickets are $20, and there are a limited number available.

How to Support the Benefit

Tickets for the 50-50 raffle can be purchased at Got Slots locations, or you can contact Susie Gaffey for more information at 608-247-7557.

Sandy Messenger Cancer Benefit at South Beloit Businessmen's Association, 525 Washington Street in South Beloit, Illinois, on Saturday, September 26 from Noon to 6 p.m.