Fighting against cancer has just as many forms as the terminal illness itself. Near and far from my uncle's area, our family supports in constant worry. But all of us, especially my uncle, stayed strong during this past year of treatments. I'd like to give a special thank you to my brother, Blake (pictured on the right side), for providing the ride and accompanying me and our mother to Southwestern Minnesota for our uncle's benefit back in August 13th.

Taken place in Morgan, Minnesota, the local fire department and ambulance organized and ran the fundraiser. It honored my uncle, Jesse Lund, an Army veteran family man turned into their fellow firefighter and EMT. In the past, he also worked as a maintenance technician and a jailer after serving as Staff Sergeant for the US Army. Before being honorably discharged, Jesse had built a family and traveled the world. From the stories that he has shared to our family, his discipline and positive attitude have always been mixed together to make the best out of any situation.

Being that the fundraiser was at mid-ninety degrees in the middle of an afternoon, the water fights and dunk tank were ideal for the event. The Morgan Fire Department have brought a few of the other fire departments together for the water fights. There would be two small teams of firefighters to spray at a barrel hanging a wire overhead. Each round lasts for two minutes for each team trying to aim and spray the barrel to their opposite side. The mist cooled me off good. I wish I could've been in the dunk tank, but I didn't ruin my new tattoo from a few days before.

My brother and I could tell that silent auction was a success for my uncle's medical expenses because all of our bids were always overbid by others. Hundreds of people placed their bids on over 80 baskets and items donated from the community. They were Twins tickets, a Vikings tailgate party set, Harley-Davidson memorabilia, movie night gift sets and a pie auction. I had my eye closer to Renaissance Fair tickets, but no luck. The bright side to remember was that the competitiveness brought more people willing to give.

My uncle, Jesse, kept himself busy and active for everyone around him. He really seemed popular during the day of the event. His chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been between Minneapolis, Seattle and recently the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Everyone was grateful to greet Jesse for remaining happy and healthy. Our family reunited all for the better. I had a very interesting conversation with my cousin, Alex (coming from my other uncle, Chad.) My dad came by on his motorcycle in good timing because he was coming out of Sturgis while on vacation. Jesse's wife and their three kids gave the hugest thanks to everyone. Blake, Mom and I were grateful enough to attend the benefit to support my uncle in any and all ways he both needed and wanted. He may have said that our attendance was enough, but his refreshed wellness reflects greatly in our fair roles of family.