Tribute for Trista set for Sunday

BABBITT—Trista Miller has been a big part of the Babbitt community, where she was born and raised, and is now in the fight of her life against breast cancer, according to her best friend Tori Pagel.

Pagel has teamed up with Fish Tales Tavern in Babbitt, where Miller formerly worked, for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and a 6 p.m. raffle drawing.

All proceeds will go to 39-year-old Miller and her 13-year-old son to help them stay in their home during her final days, a flyer on the event states.

Pagel’s birthday is Sunday, but she wanted to give the day to Miller “because I wish I could give her the world.

“She is an amazing strong fighter who just wanted to be here until her son turned 18 and it doesn’t look like the doctors are very optimistic.’’

The doctors for Miller, 39, of Babbitt have told her this is the last chemotherapy option and then it will be hospice next, a flyer for the event said.

“We are all heartbroken,’’ Pagel said. “She’s so young.’’

Miller has worked at the school as a para, was a kickboxing instructor, was the bar manager at Fish Tales Tavern, and also recommended Pagel for a job there.

“She is a special person to so many, including my boss at Fish Tales where I am now bar manager. He is generously donating all the food and time, and letting me do this for her on my birthday.’’

Miller’s fight against cancer has been difficult to say the least.

“Her body has been through countless rounds of chemo, (multiple) thoracentesis (procedures), ER trips, testing, medications and lots of driving to appointments.’’

Her breast cancer has spread to her spine, both lungs, liver, lymph nodes, abdomen and pelvic wall despite the chemo. Nothing is working. She is unable to work and struggling to do daily tasks, the flyer states.

Pagel said she will continue to be right by her best friend’s side.

“I’m going to hold her hand until the very end, which is coming sooner than I ever imagined it would.’’

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Spaghetti dinner tickets are $10 (including tax) and will feature spaghetti with meat sauce and a breadstick. Both dine in and take out are available.

Raffle tickets are $5 each.

A donation account for Miller has also been set up at the Babbitt Credit Union.