Medical benefit planned for Chris Patera

Havre resident Chris Patera has undergone several surgeries for his cancer.

He also has had extensive chemotherapy since he was diagnosed with cancer in September 2011.

But he hasn't let his problems slow him down.

He is still playing hockey, staying in shape even though half of his stomach and the lower part of his esophagus have been removed.

Saturday, friends will gather for a benefit in his honor — to wish him well and raise some money to help pay his mounting bills.

Chris was able to get coverage in the state's high-risk insurance pool, but expenses are still mounting, since he has been unable to work for months.

The benefit spaghetti dinner will be held 4 to 7:30 p. m. at the Eagles Club.

There will be a free-will donation and a silent auction.

Thrivent Financial will match the money raised.

Friends say they hope to keep the smile on Chris' face as he has four more rounds of chemotherapy to go. He's presently undergoing radiation treatments.

At Saturday night's banquet, the silent auction will include:

• Herberger's — five bags
• Guadalajara — a dinner for two
• PJ's — a $25 gift card
• Havre Ford — a coat, hat and two oil changes
• Northstar Dodge — 2 oil changes
• Tilleman — oil change, car wash
• Puttin' on the Glitz — gift basket
• Big Sky Images — horse picture
• Artitudes — mug
• High Plains Gallery — mug and scarf
• Pizza Hut — two large pizzas and two large pasta meals
• JM Donovan — sterling silver earrings
• Dominos — $74 of coupons
• Top Hat — men's hair products
• Barkus Home Center — socket and driver set
• Valley Furniture — wall clock
• Reflections — hair products basket
• Norman's — vest
• Stromberg's — camo shirt
• 15 West — $25 gift card
• Physical Therapy — gift card
• Oxford — booze basket
• Helmbrecht — print
• Pizza Pro — putting something together
• Subway — cooler and sub coupons
• Wolfer's — $10 gift certificate
• Hallmark — $10 gift certificate
• Cottonwood cinemas — two movie passes
• Coffee Hound — $30 coffee mug
• Jenn Thompson — Scentsy product
• Tera Verplogen — Miche product