AUBURN - Lenny LaFramboise was overwhelmed Saturday afternoon.

A large crowd of family, friends and complete strangers filled the Ukrainian National Club to support LaFramboise in his fight against adult acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Saying he feels stronger every day, Lenny was grateful for the support he and his family are receiving.

"It's overwhelming, family and friends together, which is rare, the people you don't even know who are here to inspire you," he said.

Lenny, 44, of Conquest, was diagnosed with the disease last November and has undergone four rounds of intense chemotherapy since then.

"This disease is rare and progressive," said his sister, Laura LaFramboise, who was selling tickets at the door.

For the LaFramboises, Saturday was a time to relax and catch up with distant family members and old friends.

Those who came to the benefit were able to enjoy a variety of music, from veteran musicians Bob Piorun and Julie Howard to newcomers Heather Lardeo and Nicole Hoey.

As they belted out a few tunes, people enjoyed the spaghetti dinner that was included in the $10 price of admission.

Alice Fitzsimmons of Montezuma and Helen Ball of Port Byron worked with Lenny in the kitchen at Port Byron High School 29 years ago when he was just 15 years old.

They hadn't seen him in many years, but came to show their support.

"It's sad to think of anyone that young being so sick." said Fitzsimmons. "He told us he thinks about us often."

Pennie LaFramboise, another sister, helped plan the benefit with her siblings and mother, Arlene LaFramboise.

"We have a good turnout, lots of family and friends, this has turned out to be a good day," she said.

"There's family from Watertown here we haven't seen in 10 years. And the Cayuga County community has been so supportive," she said.

Arlene LaFramboise, started planning the benefit months ago. The money raised will help pay for vitamins, insurance co-payments, transportation, or "whatever he needs," she said.

Lenny said he was enjoying the special day but admitted to being a little tired. "I can't thank everyone enough," he said.

Treatment for the leukemia has been brutal at times for Lenny.

The last chemotherapy session left him with an infection from which he is still recuperating. His temperature spiked to 106.6 degrees, and he was packed in ice for four hours to bring it under control.

Another session left him blind for three days. "But the doctors say it's working and nothing is uncommon," said his wife, Donna.

The couple will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on April 30.

Lifestyles editor Linda Simmons can be reached at 253-5311 Ext. 233 or linda.simmons@lee.net