Selma family advocate Amy Carmichael talks cancer, benefit concert set for June 20

Selma resident Amy Carmichael, a longtime nonprofit worker known for helping families across Dallas County, is now facing a renewed battle with cancer as friends and musicians rally to support her through a benefit event on June 20.

Carmichael, who moved to Selma after meeting her husband Clay through a shared love of music, has spent more than a decade working with organizations such as the Dallas County Family Resource Center, Aletheia House and Cahaba Mental Health. 

She said her career grew out of her own struggles and her desire to help others facing similar challenges. “I’ve always wanted to kind of help people with similar problems and share with them what helped me,” she said.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and completed treatment in 2021. After four years in remission, she learned in September 2025 that the cancer had returned.

This time, the diagnosis was more severe. Carmichael said her cancer is triple negative, calling it “the most aggressive type of breast cancer.” When it returned, it had spread to both lungs, her scalp and her neck, automatically classifying it as stage four.

Chemotherapy initially shrank the tumors, but a recent scan revealed another setback. “They did a brain scan and found that there was like 11 or 12 spots in my brain,” she said. She immediately began targeted brain radiation and expects to learn on June 10 whether the treatments eliminated the tumors.

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As Carmichael continues treatment, friends have organized AmesFest, a daylong music event set for June 20 at Kenan’s Mill on Summerfield Road. The idea began with friend Josh Dumas, who then connected with musician Rick Carter, who has been working with the Carmichaels on the annual rib-off’s songwriter showcase. “Everybody just jumped in and wanted to help,” Carmichael said.

The festival will run from 2 to 7 p.m. and feature a full lineup of musicians who know Carmichael personally. Entry is donation-based, and supporters will also be able to contribute by purchasing T‑shirts, posters, stickers and other items. One former Widespread Panic vendor plans to bring merchandise as well. All donations will link directly to Carmichael’s GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses, including treatments not covered by insurance. 

“It’s going to help with things like that,” she said. “We’re throwing all these things at it to just try to get me healed.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, coolers and shade. Food, including barbecue, is expected to be available. “You’ll sit in the front yard of the beautiful house and enjoy some great music,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael, who once donated wigs to other women fighting cancer, said the support she is receiving now has been overwhelming. “Thank you for showing an interest in it,” she said. “How can we not help someone who helps so many?”