​The Selma community is coming together through music and art at AmesFest for Hope, a fundraiser benefitting Amy Carmichael as she faces another battle with cancer. ​AmesFest is a music festival featu

​The Selma community is coming together through music and art at AmesFest for Hope, a fundraiser benefitting Amy Carmichael as she faces another battle with cancer. ​AmesFest is a music festival featuring live performances and local vendors, set for June 20 at Kenan’s Mill. The festival got its name from Carmichael’s nickname, “Ames.” There will be several opportunities to donate to the Carmichael family by purchasing artwork, t-shirts, posters, stickers, and more, said Selma native and Carmichael family friend Josh Dumas, who is co-hosting the festival with Rick Carter. ​While talking to Carmichael and learning that her breast cancer had returned for the second time, Dumas said organizing a fundraiser for her was something that he felt led to do. ​“For more than 20 years, Amy has been more than just a friend to me—she’s been family, and music has always been at the heart of that connection,” Dumas said. “I’ve also had the privilege of knowing her husband, Clay, since high school. We became friends through that same shared love of music. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to see firsthand the kind of people they are: generous, selfless, and always willing to step up for others, no matter the circumstance. Amy and Clay have also poured so much into the Selma community over the years, always giving back and helping others—even strangers—without hesitation. This festival is more than just a fundraiser—it is a way for our hometown of Selma to come together and show the same love and support to a family who has given so much of themselves to others. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them.” ​Amy’s battle with breast cancer began in 2020 when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive and fast-growing type of breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy. ​She’d been in remission for five years when the cancer returned. It first appeared on her scalp with what she thought was a cyst, but it quickly got into her bloodstream and spread to her lungs, neck, and brain. ​She underwent a week of brain radiation and started a new type of chemotherapy. Her treatments leave her feeling very fatigued and have affected her memory, but she refuses to give up. ​Upcoming scans will show if the treatments have been effective, but even if her tumors have dissolved, Carmichael’s oncologists have told her that she will need to continue with chemotherapy for the rest of her life due to the aggressiveness of her cancer. ​“My prognosis isn’t the best, but we believe in miracles,” she said. ​Unfortunately, Amy’s cancer diagnoses are not the first for her family. Her father died of lung cancer in 2023, and her mother is currently battling a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Over a year ago, her husband Clay, Selma’s Ward 3 Councilman and a board member for Blackbelt Benefit Group, was diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his lymph nodes. ​“It was rough for a little while with us both having cancer at the same time,” Amy said. ​Clay Carmichael is now in remission after being treated with immunotherapy. Despite the overwhelming challenges her family has faced, Amy Carmichael is still holding on to hope. ​“I have hope even in the dark times of life,” she said. “That’s why the festival is called AmesFest for Hope — I hope this event is a sign of hope for others who may be going through similar things.” ​The proceeds from the festival will be used to help cover medical expenses such as integrative care not covered by insurance. Carmichael said she’s grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love from the community. ​“I never expected this much support,” she said. “It makes me cry to think about, and it really does help keep my spirits up.” ​As a lover of music, Carmichael said all of the musicians performing are people she already knew and are friends with. ​“I was surprised by how quickly it all came together,” she said. “Everybody has said yes to whatever was needed. No one has said no.” ​Performers include Cliff May, Larry Mitchell, Phillip Morgan, Wilks Chittom and Naomi Reed, Megan Lea, Dumas Warren Brown Trio, BBQ Ensemble, Ashey Miller, and Donna Hall, Stan Foster and Rick Carter with special guest Richard Tabor. The event will also feature a poetry reading by Amy Carmichael. The event begins at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are requested. ​Those who cannot attend but would still like to donate to the family can do so through the family’s GoFundMe, https://tinyurl.com/4wtvj6ju. Donations can also be sent via Venmo to @Ames-Carmichael.