AUBURN | Thomas Brown is a well-loved man.
Parked close to the center of the Ukrainian National Club's decorated conference room, the Auburn man stood surrounded by an endless crowd of family and friends who seemed happy just to hug him, laugh with him and shake his hand.
After all, that's what Saturday afternoon's benefit was all about: showing Brown that in his time of need, he was far from alone.
In July, Brown was diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma. The self-employed contractor is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy to fight his stage-IV cancer, which doctors found in his tonsils and lymph nodes.
Diane Wylie, Brown's significant other, said that despite her boyfriend's desire to get back to work, Brown's illness has prevented him working as either a contractor or an installer for Lowe's since August.
And when he was first diagnosed, Brown did not have insurance to help him cover the steep costs of cancer treatment.
"Initially, he didn't have health insurance," Wylie said. "And when he did, it was a preexisting condition."
Although Brown now has coverage, Wylie said he still has bills left over from his early treatment that he needs to start paying off. Wylie said Brown's loved ones decided to throw the benefit to help Brown cover the cost of fighting cancer.
And she said the outpouring of support from the community ? from the approximately 100 people who stopped by the benefit to the businesses who donated gift baskets and prizes for raffles ? is more than the couple ever envisioned.
"The amount of donations from individuals and businesses is just huge," Wylie said. "Beautiful support."
Brown agreed, his voice breaking slightly with emotion.
"I'm shocked," he said. "It's unbelievable."
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