Steamboat Pilot & Today

South Routt — Classmates of Levi Hampton, a 1990 Soroco High School graduate, are getting together during their 10th reunion this weekend to raise funds for Hampton, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

Lisa Malizzi, Angie Hanson and Heather Almgren have organized a fund-raiser to help with Hampton's medical expenses.

"We're already getting a big response," Malizzi said.

So far, the women have raised $250 and expect to get more during the reunion.

Pies will be auctioned off at the annual Independence Day celebration in Yampa on Tuesday, and part of the proceeds will go into the fund.

"I really do appreciate all the support everyone is giving me," said Hampton, a 28-year-old south Routt native. After spending two years at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, he returned to south Routt to save money for his college education by working at Twentymile Coal Co.

Though Hampton's tumor will not spread cancer to any part of his body, the chances for remission are not good, said his mother, Marsha.

"They don't talk in years, they talk in months," she said.

On May 26, just four days after he was diagnosed with the disease, Hampton underwent surgery to remove the primary tumor. On Friday, Hampton ended his second week of radiation treatments. After two more weeks of radiation, Hampton will begin four weeks of chemotherapy.

"It hasn't been too bad," Hampton said. "But I've noticed that I've been a little more fatigued.

"I'm doing all right, other than the fact of what's going on is pretty stressful," he continued. "Only 5 percent of the people who have this live beyond three years."

Hampton and his mother are hoping that time will be on their side. Each year, new treatments are developed that could provide a cure, Marsha said.

"We're trying to be very positive taking it one day at a time," she said. "The longer he lives, the better chance he has of getting rid of it completely. He has a real good attitude. He's determined to beat this. He's not depressed he's a fighter and he's a very strong-willed person."

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206 or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net