In 2006, Glenn “Whitey” White Sr. was diagnosed with lung cancer, but thankfully after months of radiation and chemotherapy, doctors had given him a clean bill of health.

Yet, just one year later, he was again diagnosed with cancer and this time the disease had spread to include bone and liver cancer in addition to the lung cancer.

“He was diagnosed in the fall of last year,” said White's daughter-in-law, Tammy White, during a benefit held in his honor at Yawger Brook Campsite Sunday afternoon. “Since then he has been in and out of the hospital with another round of chemotherapy.”

Tammy said that although White is currently receiving treatment, doctors do not know what the outcome will be.

“It's up in the air right now,” she said. “But it does not look good.”

Currently, White lives with Tammy, his son, Vern “Alan” White, three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

“The past two years have been a struggle for the whole family,” Tammy said. “But we will get through it.”

The benefit, which included a meal in addition to a fun afternoon for the family, was to help with mounting medical costs associated with ongoing treatments.

Raffles, baked goods and other merchandise were donated by area merchants and family friends to be auctioned as part of the event.

“We are just so grateful for all of the support,” Tammy said. “Everyone has been so generous and thoughtful.”

Tammy said that Terri Alcock, Donna Orchards, Sara DeBotis and Theo Smith deserve a special thank you for going above and beyond with their thoughtful kindness throughout the family's ordeal.

“I cannot thank everyone enough,” Tammy said. “Everything that they have done has been greatly appreciated.”

White is currently retired from a position at TRW where he worked for many years, and also helped at Reva Rollerdrome as well, according to Tammy.

Tammy said that White's first wife died of cancer many years ago.

How to help

To make donations to the family, contact Tammy White at 889-5395 or e-mail

Cadejawy@verizon.net