Benefit planned for Ruth Burleigh

Ruth Burleigh has a passion for helping people with diabetes.

As coordinator of the diabetes program at Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, she organized several programs to help people in that community which is plagued with diabetes.

The most massive effort was the Tour de Cure that was held between Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation and Havre last summer.

People rode bicycles from Beaver Creek Park to Rocky Boy to Havre to raise funds to fight diabetes, said her sister, Penny Velk.

At the end of the ride, people were welcome to have soup at Velk's store, Henny Penny's in downtown Havre.

Ruth began to feel sick that day. She was unable to go with the bicyclists along the way, though she did greet them at the restaurant.

It turned out, Ruth had cancer.

So far, she has spent more than $250,000 to fight the disease. On top of medical bills, there are also all kinds of incidental bills, Velk said.

Ruth is now living at hospital-provided housing in Great Falls where she is now undergoing her fourth round of chemotherapy.

Velk is planning a benefit this Saturday, 4-7 p.m., at the Havre Eagles Club, to help defray the costs.

Velk would like all of Ruth's friends and anyone else to show up for the dinner, which will include Indian tacos, chili and desserts.

There will be a silent auction with all kinds of art work, blankets and other items, she said.,

A band, Kenny Main and his ensemble, from Fort Belknap, will perform, she said.

Junior Horse Capture of Fort Belknap will conduct a brief prayer service before food is served, Velk said.

Her doctors are not sure Ruth will be well enough to attend the benefit, Velk said.

The tumor is wrapped around Ruth's liver, Velk said. Doctors are hopeful the chemotherapy will reduce the size of the tumor to the point they can go in and remove it, Velk said.

But as bills mount, Velk said, she hopes friends will come out to help Ruth pay her bills.