Friends help in cancer fight

Eric and Hilary Munson had their wedding all planned — a ceremony in Pattison Park this Saturday. But when Eric was diagnosed with stage four cancer, they improvised. The Superior couple exchanged brief vows weeks ahead of schedule, just before Eric went into the hospital.

“Think ‘The Princess Bride,’” said his father, John Munson of the quick ceremony May 26.

But Hilary’s best friend, Kelsey McDonough, said she’s never met a happier couple in her life.

“The way this couple copes with what is happening in their life really grants perspective,” McDonough said. “They should be packing for their honeymoon and instead had to pack for Mayo Clinic, and they are still joking with each other, kissing and smiling through it all!”

The newlyweds are currently at the clinic in Rochester, Minn., for treatment. Some of the best doctors in the world are available at the clinic, Munson said, and they have been impressed by Eric’s strength and attitude.

“Eric is such an exceptional guy, he really hasn’t let his diagnosis get him down,” McDonough said, adding that the couple is sincerely a team who support each other constantly. “Coping with this ordeal is a testament to the strength they have together.”

The non-localized cancer has attacked Eric’s liver, lungs and colon. According to his CaringBridge Web site, Eric recently underwent a surgical procedure to help his liver begin to function normally again.

“That will set the stage for the start of the real battle against cancer,” Munson wrote on the site. He said that once chemotherapy is started, doctors are hopeful that Eric can return to Superior and only make occasional trips back to Rochester.

“His support system would be 250 miles closer,” Munson said.

But friends aren’t waiting for the couple to come home to show they care. McDonough and Steve Baker are inviting the community to a spaghetti dinner and silent auction 5-7 p.m. Friday at Barker’s Island Inn. All proceeds will help the young couple with treatment costs.

The event will include food, DJ music by Idol Entertainment, a T-shirt sale and an auction. Tickets will not be sold, but donations will be accepted at the door.

“The support has been overwhelmingly generous from the community,” McDonough said. In less than two weeks, they secured a venue, food donations, items to auction and raffle, volunteers and “monumental support.” Prizes include a skydive jump from Skydive Superior, a couple’s season pass at Poplar Golf Course, a Cannondale bike from Continental Ski and Bike, a remote car starter from DADS Electronics, a luxury spa package from Trends Salon & Spa and a Hilton Rewards trip. McDonough also gave thanks to Charlie Johnson at Barker’s Island Inn for offering the ballroom as a venue.

Eric, 31, graduated from Superior High School in 1998. He played on the school’s varsity football team and coached hockey for the Superior Amateur Hockey Association for five years. He was employed at Menards in Superior; his new bride works for St. Luke’s.

“Eric will give and help out with whatever you need,” said Baker, who has known the family for 16 years. “He is a man of great integrity and loyalty. He has always been available to talk to and really cares about what you are going through. He is strong and ready to fight against this horrible cancer.”

The couple has been amazed at the number of hits their CaringBridge site has received — more than 600 in the first 24 hours — and how many friends are keeping tabs through Facebook. And the family had a message for the community.

“Thank you,” Munson said. “We’re just so grateful for all the people who have been praying and sending well wishes.” He couldn’t say enough about Baker and McDonough for organizing the benefit. McDonough said that the couple is truly something special.

“Visiting (Eric) and speaking to him on the phone, you wouldn’t even know he is fighting for his life against stage four cancer,” she said. ”Every ounce of him wants to be at the benefit on Friday to thank everyone and show how appreciative he is of their support!”

Munson said he plans to use Skype or a live video feed to let the newlyweds be part of the event.

Baker said he felt it was important to help out with the benefit.

“Eric is a great person and doesn’t deserve to have this happen to him,” he said. “I want to show him that we all support him and his battle against cancer and let him know how many people care about him.”

He is, Baker said, an awesome person with a great future ahead of him and a wonderful wife.

“What Eric is going through is just shocking and heartbreaking but if anyone is going to beat it, it’s Eric,” McDonough said.

For more information, visit www.caringbridge.

org. Click on the visitor tab, and type “ericmunson” in the box provided.

Those unable to attend the dinner can also contribute to the family. Donations can be sent to Superior Choice Credit Union under the “Eric Munson Benefit” account.

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