Show of Support

Awhile ago I shared news about one of my cousins who is fighting cancer. He was diagnosed in September with metastatic malignant melanoma, which has spread to the lymph nodes. He is undergoing oral chemotherapy to shrink the tumors.

Today they held a benefit to raise money for Lydell's medical and other expenses. Jim and I traveled Up North to Frederic (just north of Luck) to show our support... along with hundreds of others. We felt blessed to be among this huge crowd of friends and family who care for him and his family.

His church and some other organizations were at the heart of organizing it and they did a great job with the lasagna dinner, silent auction items and raffles. I heard they made enough lasagna to feed 400. Guess what? The lasagna was gone. Amazing.

They also had music lined up for the afternoon. This picture is special for two reasons. One, the guy in the middle is a grade-school and high school classmate of my twin sister and I that we haven't seen since graduation. So Jon and his wife, who go to Lydell's church, sang a few songs. Secondly, it is a very special moment because Lydell (always a good singer) felt well enough to get up on stage to sing On the Road Again with them. Thank the Lord, right?

Lydell did share a few heartfelt words of appreciation that moved most of us to tears. He felt so blessed and we, as his family and supporters, were just glad we could be there to do something. I also had friends and neighbors of mine who supported the event with donations ahead of time. You know who you are... THANK YOU! As Lydell pointed out, every single donation and prayer – especially prayer – counts!

Today was also meaningful to my family since my mom was celebrating her 85th birthday! We'll have a separate party for her later, but today she got to see 6 of her children, 4 sons-in-law and 2 grandchildren. Not to mention numerous nieces and nephews. It was so great to see so many of my cousins!

 And my twin, too, of course!

In a strange coincidence, we saw two classmates, our old bus driver and our former high school history teacher. Yes, it is a small world. But it also means Lydell has touched a lot of lives.

Let's hope he can continue to do so. He said his tumors are shrinking and he'll have surgery in a few weeks to remove them. The Lasagna Feed Fundraiser may be over, but please keep those prayers coming!