James Weiner has been through it.
The Mansfield man was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Stage 3 T-cell lymphoma in August 2024. After six rounds of chemotherapy, he reached remission, only to suffer a relapse six months later.
Weiner’s only chance was a life-saving stem cell transplant, which he underwent March 31. He spent 30 days in a Columbus hospital, followed by 100 days of restrictive isolation at home.
Cancer has changed every part of Weiner’s life, along with wife Delaine. They are having a fundraiser Aug. 8.
“We want to make sure we don’t lose our house,” Delaine said. She added the couple will file for bankruptcy after Saturday’s benefit, which is a benefit ride and spaghetti dinner.
Registration for the ride will start at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Shine Co., 126 N. Franklin Ave. There will be complimentary coffee and doughnuts.
Riders will get an exclusive first look at some of the raffle baskets before they head out at noon for a scenic ride through the Mohican area.
Businesses donating to the raffle baskets include Hale’s Harley Davidson and Scentsy. Gift certificates from tattoo shops Envious Ink, Diamond in the Rough and Black Velvet also will be available. In addition to the baskets, cash drawings will be held.
Dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m. at the FOP Lodge 32, 315 Concord Ave. The hall will open at 3 p.m. On the menu will be spaghetti, bread, a garden salad and homemade desserts.
Ride entry, with meal, is $25 for one person or $40 with a passenger. Dinner only will be $15 per plate. People who don’t take part in the ride are welcome.
Since February, James has been unable to work. With no short-term disability benefits and an uncertain return-to-work timeline, the financial burden has been overwhelming. Delaine estimates James won’t be able to go back to work for a year or two.
James is the former IT director for the City of Mansfield, where Delaine works as clerk of council. James is an employee for an IT company based in Akron. He also is a licensed minister and a DJ.
He has experienced dizzy spells lately, which could be a byproduct of his medications. James takes 15 pills in the morning and 12 at night.
The couple met at a bar on James’ 40th birthday. They have been married for 10 years, together for 11, and have a blended family with six children and one granddaughter.
“Your support allows James to focus on healing, rebuilding his strength and getting back to the people and the life he loves,” the flyer for the fundraiser said.
For more information, call Delaine at 419-631-2663 or follow the story at www.facebook.com/JamesBattle26.
Reporter Mark Caudill can be reached at 419-521-7219 or via X at @MarkCau32059251.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Family and friends holding benefit for James Weiner, fighting cancer
Reporting by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal | USA TODAY Network
