'Pray for healing. Pray for strength.': Branson entertainer fighting difficult battle

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A well-known Branson entertainer is in a fight for her life.

Shelia Yeary, best known for her performances in A Tribute to Dolly and Friends, and as one half of The Sweethearts of Branson, along with her husband Denny Yeary, Shelia is a gifted vocalist and a favorite among Branson visitors and area residents alike.

Those who know Shelia well know that her faith in God and her love for her family are the most important things in her life. It is that faith and family support that is sustaining Shelia right now.

Shelia was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following surgery to remove the tumor and a subsequent biopsy, she received the diagnosis of Stage 4 Gliosarcoma, one of the most rare and most aggressive types of brain cancer.

At her first follow-up appointment following her surgery, Shelia received the news that her incision is healing well, and she is progressing nicely.

The next step in Shelia’s battle has taken her to MD Anderson, one of the best cancer centers in the world. Located in Houston, Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center has been in operation since 1941. In 2023, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston saw nearly 180,000 patients and had more than 1.6 million outpatient visits. It is also home to the highest number of cancer clinical trials in the world. MD Anderson ranks number one in cancer treatment, world-wide.

As Shelia begins this new leg of her cancer treatment journey, she and her family are asking for your prayers.

On a Facebook page set up to follow Shelia’s medical journey, her daughter, McKayla wrote, “We do serve the greatest Physician. He can perform miracles. He can get rid of this cancer and restore my momma. Things can change on His authority. We are believing for this and we ask you to pray for this. Pray for divine intervention and restoration. Please pray for my mom as she walks through this. Pray for our family as we go through this alongside her. Pray for all her grand babies that love her immensely and don’t understand. Pray for healing. Pray for strength.”

In addition to your prayers, Shelia and her family would also appreciate any financial support that could be provided.

“With this new fight, my parents are going to need help financially,” explained McKayla. “Mom was the main source of income and now, with this diagnosis, returning to work isn’t in her near future. There are so many expenses that are going into Mom’s healing journey, outside of medical procedures and care. We are going to do everything we can to try and help her beat this, including different protocols that have been successful for people. But all of those things cost money. We have set up a bank account that is strictly for gifts. We are working on getting a post office box or something set up for those that would like to send checks. Otherwise, if you have Venmo, please feel free to donate through that. Anything helps. Her username is @ SheliaYeary-Healing.” (CLICK HERE)

Shelia’s family is maintaining a Facebook page for those who want to follow Shelia’s journey. Simply join Shelia’s Healing Journey on Facebook to see updates posted by McKayla and the family.

“She is so incredible. Her strength and positivity is inspiring,” noted McKayla in a recent post to the Facebook page.

Despite all she is dealing with, Shelia took the time to post an update herself on the Facebook page this week.

“Oh, how I love and appreciate you each so much,” said Shelia. “God is so good. Thank you for all your prayers.”