AUBURN - Since Lynn Harter moved with her husband, Frederick, to Florida in 2001, it has been difficult for her whole family to find time to get together.

But Saturday afternoon at the S-K Post in Auburn, just such an opportunity was provided.

“It is really nice to see everybody,” Harter said. “It is really hard to get everybody together, so it is nice to see everybody here.”

It was a festive and joyous atmosphere, even if it wasn't under the best possible circumstances. In January, Harter was diagnosed with rectal cancer, so a benefit was held in her honor.

Since her initial diagnosis, Harter has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments and has been through two surgeries.

But Harter was in good spirits Saturday afternoon with friends and family.

“I'm doing pretty good,” Harter said. “I came up just for this. I have four more months of chemo, but I'm doing pretty good.”

Harter, originally from the Jordan-Elbridge area, lived in Auburn for a number of years before making the move to Florida.

And even with all the miles between Auburn and Florida, Harter still has a great deal of support as she goes through her treatments.

To show their unwavering support, Harter's sister, Sandi Reed, of Auburn and her daughters, Alyssa and Megan Paczkowski, began planning the Saturday afternoon picnic and benefit for Harter.

“We just wanted to do something to help with medical expenses,” Reed said. “It started with me and my daughters and we got flyers together and then we started getting the rest of the family involved and the whole thing grew from there.”

Reed also found the local community to be every bit as supportive as her own family in helping to get the fundraiser together.

“People have been so supportive,” Reed said. “It is really nice to see people be so generous and supportive and help with a good cause.”

For Harter it was a touching display of support and care from her friends and family.

And while it was definitely a fundraiser, the afternoon had the feel of a fun family reunion as Harter walked around talking and laughing.

“It is really nice,” Harter said. “I'm more used to being the one on the other side doing things like this for other people, so that is a little hard to be on this side of things, but it is so nice to see everybody here and have everybody together.”

And this display of support and love may well be just what Harter needs.

“We just want to have a fun day,” Reed said. “It is a fundraiser and it is for a good cause, but we just hope everybody has a good time and enjoys themselves today.”