Dinner, auction to support family's fund for cancer treatment, transportation

BAINBRIDGE -- In trying times, one Bainbridge family is hoping the generosity of others will help them through.

Randy Neeley, a school bus diesel mechanic for North Putnam Community School Corporation, was diagnosed with carcinoid tumors, and starting undergoing treatments for more aggressive forms Monday.

His wife, Lauri, a school bus driver with NPCSC, along with family members and friends, are holding a spaghetti dinner to raise funds to help defray the costs of radiation and transportation to and from the treatment center in Carmel.

Randy was first diagnosed with carcinoid tumors, a terminal form of cancer that does not respond to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, in December of 1999. Surgical removal of the tumors is the only treatment, and so far Randy has had two.

In late May of this year, Randy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Doctors explained to Randy and Lauri that the two treatments for this type of cancer were removing Randy's prostate or rounds of radiation.

The couple decided the best option would be for Randy to have surgery. After surgeons performed a CT scan, four tumors were found in Randy's liver and several more in the intestines. Surgery was then out of the question, leaving radiation as the only option.

Randy started radiation treatments Monday and will continue with them through Sept. 30 five days a week in Carmel.

Lauri said for the most part, Randy is doing pretty well, but he is scared and doesn't know how radiation will affect him.

With the fear looming of medical bills and transportation costs to and from treatments five days a week, Lauri's brother Brian Miller, parents Larry and Louise Miller and children Jessica (Frye) Carter and Shelby and Bailey Frye are putting together a benefit supper to raise funds.

Family friends Marci Grimes, Jared Fordice, Nancy McHargue, Rhodonna and Noble New also helped with creating posters, fliers and "HELP Randy Fight Prostate Cancer" wristbands, which are on sale through family members or at The Dairy Castle and Teachers Credit Union.

Pies, cakes or any type of desserts can be donated by calling Louise Miller- (765) 739-6295 or Nancy McHargue or Marci Grimes- (765) 522-1456. Unwanted items to donate for the auction can also be brought to the dinner, or call ahead to arrange a time to drop off items before the dinner.

Help Randy Neeley Fight Prostate Cancer Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Special performance by 15th and Hulman from 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: Little Dude Ranch Highway 231 North, Greencastle

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 and under

Dinner includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and drink. Dessert is $1.

All proceeds go to the family or Randy Neeley to help pay for medical and transportation expenses.

RSVP and direct questions to Brian Miller at brian.miller7392@yahoo.com

Anyone interested in donating can donate to the "CANCER ACCOUNT" at TCU or send to Randy and Lauri Neeley, 4670 CR 800 N, Bainbridge, IN 46105.