Friends are joining together in an effort to raise funds that will help a local lady in her continuing battle with cancer.

Rhonda Devereaux was back in the hospital this past week, dealing with a set of heart attacks, while family and friends continue to make plans for the March 18 dinner/dance that will help defray medical and travel expenses incurred in her struggle with lung and bone cancer.

The fundraiser includes a silent auction, mini raffles, and 50-50 drawings in addition to dinner and dancing. The event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight at Smith Hall in St. Johns.

The former Rhonda Simmons was diagnosed with Lupus in 1999. During a routine chest x-ray in October 2004 related to her struggle with Lupus, a mass on her lung was discovered, leading to the diagnosis of lung cancer. She had surgery in January 2005 to remove the tumor, along with half of the lung.

Since that time, the cancer has spread to the bone resulting in a long series of radiation treatments and chemotherapy.

Rhonda’s husband, Chris, began a medical leave from work in June 2005 in order to help with his wife’s care that has included multiple trips to clinics and physical therapy.

Friends and family members are hopeful that the community will respond and help the Devereaux family in a time of need.

Tickets to the benefit fundraiser are $15 each, or two for $25; admission tickets will be entered in a raffle drawing for a color television.

Tickets are available in advance at the following locations: Harr’s Jewelry, The Country Store, Beaufore’s Barber Shop and Bruno’s. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the evening of the fundraiser.

Organizers are accepting donations of items and services that will be used for the silent auction and mini raffles. For information on the fundraiser, or to make a donation, call Tonya Platte, (989) 587-3342; Jayne French, (989) 224-8323; or Linda Harris, (989) 224-6255.