An upcoming fundraiser will help support Kristine Smart, a local woman battling cancer for the third time. Smart grew up in Wareham, and moved to Fall River in 2012. 

The #KrisStrong Fundraising Committee is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 4 to 9 p.m. that includes a ticket raffle auction and musical bingo at Scottie’s Pub, 202 Pleasant Street, Fall River. 

The prizes currently include: Providence Bruin tickets, Red Sox tickets, New England Revolution tickets, a total hair transformation from Salon Sapphire, and a two-night deluxe hotel stay at Hotel Rock Lititz, as well as many other local restaurant gift cards and gift baskets. Scottie’s Pub is also donating all proceeds from the purchase of appetizers the night of the event. 100% of the proceeds are directly benefiting Smart's bills. 

Smart's survivor story begins back in August, 2018, when she was cleared of Stage 3 colon cancer. It continues with her beating Stage 4 metastatic liver cancer. 

On November 15, 2023, Smart and her family heard the words, "Your cancer is back." She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and may need to undergo liver surgery for the second time. 

Smart's daughter, Hallie (Hai) Gallo, founded the #KrisStrong Fundraising Team with the goal of supporting her mom's financial needs. Smart underwent shoulder surgery in September, 2023 and has been delayed from returning to work due to the discovery of the cancer at her post operation check-up.

Ashley Hathaway, who is helping publicize the event, said, "I have known Kris and her family for a long time through her daughter, Hai. Hai and I grew up playing in the town youth sports leagues, Wareham Junior Basketball Association and Wareham Softball, as both teammates and opponents. We both graduated from Wareham High School where we continued playing those sports together."

"I remember Kris in the stands cheering for her daughter as well as the other players. She is a kind and supportive woman who needs our support now," said Hathaway. 

To donate to the raffle or directly to Smart, please contact Hailie P. Gallo at haigallo22@gmail.com or on the event’s Facebook page. The Fundraising Committee will happily coordinate a pickup time for the donation.