Garage sale to benefit woman with lymphoma

Agoura Hills resident Jamie Burlingame is hosting a garage sale to help out a friend in need.

The garage sale, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sat., July 28 at her home at 27816 Via Amistosa in Agoura Hills, will raise funds for Tina Maskan, also of Agoura Hills. Maskan, 20, was diagnosed last year with stage three Hodgkins lymphoma.

Burlingame described the difficult treatment and financial troubles her friend has had to endure. Once the lump in her neck was surgically removed, Maskan underwent chemotherapy for six months. The chemotherapy also caused her veins to collapse, and doctors had to install a "port" into her main artery.

"Every day that Tina underwent this hard and heartwrenching process she smiled and made good of the cards she was dealt," Burlingame said.

The woman completed her final chemotherapy treatment in January and remains cancer free, but still cannot work full time. She also lost her insurance and was forced to pay $1,400 for a transitional insurance policy and owes thousands of dollars in medical bills.

The garage sale will feature a variety of goods and refreshments and a donation jar will be available for people who don't wish to purchase any items, but want to help. All proceeds will be donated to Maskan.

- Stephanie Bertholdo