The Fort Dodge woman had received the horrific news of her initial diagnosis after her birthday in 2016. She then spent a full year undergoing treatment and three more years of drug therapy.

But last year, ongoing hip pain led to several doctor appointments and tests that revealed that the breast cancer had metastasized to Halligan’s bones in six places.

To help with the cost of Halligan’s chemotherapy treatments, Halligan’s sister, Shelley Jensen, has organized a virtual “hat parade” fundraiser on Facebook this week, which happens to also be Halligan’s birthday week.

“We wanted to do something to just kind of help her out with the high cost of her insurance deductible,” Jensen said.

The “hat parade” is also meant to lift Halligan’s spirits and show her support. Supporters are asked to share their well wishes and photos of themselves, their kids or their pets wearing a hat.

“Her hair never grew back (after her first fight with cancer), so she always wears hats,” Jensen said..

The Facebook Event, where notes of support and photos in hats can be shared, is at https://www.facebook.com/events/1119847251798683.

Through her battles with cancer, Halligan has continued working as a receptionist at Central Iowa Eye Care.

Jensen said that the fundraiser’s goal is to reach the $6,500 to cover Halligan’s insurance deductible for the year.

“I’m not certain we’ll get to that, but anything that we could get that gets us closer to that would certainly be helpful,” Jensen said.

Donations can be mailed to:

Deb Halligan, P.O. Box 593, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Or can be sent through the Venmo app to @Deb-Halligan-1.