Sometimes a little support can make all the difference.

To the outside observer, Rebecca Hunter is in an almost indomitable situation, but a group of friends and co-workers are trying to prove to her that no matter how tough the odds are, she is not alone.

Three years ago, Ironton native Hunter was diagnosed with breast cancer. She won that bout with the disease, but was recently diagnosed with a relapse that had metastasized to her lungs.

After being unable to find a solution in the Tri-State, Hunter traveled to Houston to see a cancer specialist, with similar results.

“I had hopes that they’d be able to help me, but again, it didn’t go that way, there’s nothing new they can do for me,” Hunter said. “So it’s just an emotional rollercoaster.”

Although it’s not her chief concern, this pursuit of treatment has also taken a heavy financial toll. That’s when friend Linda Howard, who works with STAR Community Justice Center where Hunter is an administrative assistant, decided she had to act.

To try and offset some of Hunter’s financial burden, Howard, members of her home church and STAR have organized a benefit auction and bean dinner set for 4 p.m. on June 3. The event will be held at Haverhill United Methodist Church.

“Everybody here — I don’t know how else to say it … just loves her,” said STAR owner Dan Hieronimus. “She’s a very kind-hearted person, very positive and upbeat all the time. We consider ourselves a family, so as much as anything, we feel this is our Christian obligation.”

The news that others had started a fundraising effort on her behalf came as welcome news to Hunter.

“I was overwhelmed,” Hunter said. “I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to work … so many things. So I feel really blessed.”

She said she was not as concerned for herself as her two children, and she said that hopefully the money would help to keep all of their lives as normal as possible.

Even though the financial support is much appreciated, the real gift for Hunter may be in knowing just how many people are pulling for her.

“It just gives you all the more reason to fight, when you have so many people on your team,” Hunter said.

More information about the auction or directions to the church are available by calling (740) 533-0082.