It is not easy when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, but sometimes unfortunate events have the power to bring a community together.


That is exactly what happened in Norfolk on Sunday.


Friends, family members and locals in Norfolk held a brunch fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Hall for Connie Hattery of Norfolk, who, in March, received some devastating news...


"I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer," Hattery explained. "I've had one surgery, I've done eight rounds of chemotherapy, I have another surgery scheduled, followed up with radiation."


Even though Connie's journey has certainly not been easy, friends, family, and even strangers got together on Sunday to try and take some burdens off Connie's shoulders.


"The goal is to raise some money for Connie to help defray some of her medical expenses. We all know that healthcare is expensive and insurance doesn't cover everything, so we decided to put on a fundraiser here at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Norfolk," Gina Glaser, a friend of Connie's, said.


"I really appreciate everyone who came," Connie said. "I thank everyone here."


The event wrapped up at 2 p.m. on Sunday with food, donations and multiple silent auctions. All the proceeds made at the event will go toward Connie and her fight against cancer.