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MARQUETTE -- When Lorrie Hayes found out she had cancer, she turned to prayer and made a promise with God.

"I made a deal that if I get through this, I’m going to do something about it,” said Hayes.

And she did.  Hayes is a breast cancer survivor, lead singer for the Flat Broke Blues Band, and organizer of the fourth annual Blues for Life Benefit Concert.  She worked with local businesses and the American Cancer Society in order to make her dream of helping others a reality.

"This is the top fund-raising feeder event that we do, not only in our area, but in the region as well," Hayes said.

This year, Lagniappe in Marquette, which specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine, will be donating food for the event.  Music will be compliments of the Flat Broke Blues Band and Fast Eddies Blues Band.

"We have two of the best Blues bands in the area that donate their complete time, and it would cost a lot to get them to come play, but they do it for free out of the goodness of their heart for the cause, and it's to fight cancer," said Carl Fulsher of the American Cancer Society.

Hayes says her goal is to help people fighting cancer gain strength and support from the event.

"When you are in the cancer battle, you are in the trench, so then I was drafted into this army of people who care about other people to do something about this, to stand up to this," Hayes said.

Last year the event raised close to $5,000 with about 300 attendees.  They hope to top that this year. 

The 4th Annual Blues for Life Benefit Concert will be held at the Lagniappe in downtown Marquette Saturday, May 8.  The event will begin at 5 p.m., and a donation of $25 will be collected at the door.