During the fall of 2006, a potentially life threatening event occurred in the life of Rushville resident Brian Conner. He was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

During the months that followed a remarkable thing happened when the entire community joined forces and an effort which became known as “Brian’s Cause” was born. As a result of “Brian’s Cause,” county residents were afforded a name and a face to place with the severity of cancer and its costly treatment.

Fundraisers were held when it was learned that Conner had exhausted insurance monies. The outpouring and concern for Conner touched and tugged at the heartstrings of the entire county. “Brian’s Cause” has since become synonymous with the local effort to treat cancer.

With that in mind, and as a means to assist other county residents facing future financial burdens, a “Brian’s Cause” chicken fry will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus, 227 East Third Street, Rushville.

Following treatment, additional funds not used by Conner were realized. Earlier this year, Conner and Bruce Davis gave those funds to Rush Memorial Hospital, where they have since been endowed. The principal amount will only be used if Conner requires additional treatment in the future. The interest from the endowment, coupled with donations and additional funds that will be raised will be used to treat others from the community in their battle against cancer.

It is anticipated that in the near future county residents in need of financial assistance to continue their battle against cancer can apply through an application process to determine need and following a screening process will be able to utilize future funds.

The assistance provided by “Brian’s Cause” will only be used after an individual’s disability, insurance and other means of financial assistance are exceeded or exhausted. The cancer treatments provided by the funds will be provided locally.

Saturday’s event will again feature arm bracelets and T-shirts as a means to draw awareness to the cause, while raising funds at the same time.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.