Jason Gabak

Special to The Citizen

CONQUEST #- At the Conquest firehouse Saturday, Jeff Stevens was in good spirits, enjoying an afternoon of friends, family, food and music, as many gathered for a fundraiser on Stevens' behalf.

Stevens was diagnosed with liver, bone and lung cancer and has been undergoing treatments in Syracuse, his fiancee, Debbi Scutt said. Despite what Stevens is facing, Scutt said he has a good, strong attitude about his situation.

“He is doing pretty good,” Scutt said. “We're all just here to try and have a good time.”

Stevens, an Auburn resident, who worked at International Wire in Jordan, has been unable to work since beginning his treatments. But Saturday he was doing well and glad to be around so many people.

“I'm still going through chemo,” Stevens said. “I'll be going in to find out if it is working pretty soon, but today my pain is under control and I'm feeling pretty good.”

But co-workers, friends and family, were quick to find a way to help out with the cost of Stevens' chemotherapy treatments, which he receives three times one week and then has a few weeks off between treatments, which Scutt said are very expensive.

Martha Stevens, Mary Lou Baker, Sue Ray and Karen Wellington were all very helpful,“ Scutt said.

”Karen wanted to do something for all the people at work and started selling 50/50 raffle tickets and selling tickets to all the people at work. And he has a big family that have all really helped a lot to get everything together.“

Scutt said planning for the Saturday afternoon fundraiser, which along with a pasta dinner, included raffles, music and dancing, began more than a month ago.

And all the work was worth the effort as cars lined the roads leading to and from the firehouse all afternoon and people streamed in to show their support and stop and speak with Stevens and offer a few words of support.

“We're doing pretty good,” Scutt said. “We've had a pretty good turnout and we'll have even more people here before the day is over.”

All the funds raised from the event will go to help offset the medical expenses for Stevens' treatments.

Stevens said he was moved by the display of support, even if it was a little odd for him to be on the receiving end of so much attention.

“It is a little strange,” Stevens said. “But it is really appreciated. There are a lot of people here, friends, family, some people I haven't seen in years, some people I don't even know.

“Even more than doing this for me, I really like seeing how this has brought a community together, and I'm really enjoying myself.”