Family battles illnesses together

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Many families know the emotional and physical rollercoaster of cancer all too well. One family in Stillwater was touched by cancer not once, but twice.

The family now needs your help. Many of the Lawler family members have stopped working and spent all of their time at the hospital. So their friends decided it's time to help them out.

You can get a feel for the Lawler family on their Web site.

Craig loves to play the harmonica and his mother, Mary, is always smiling.

The Lawlers are a family that's had heartbreaking news twice. Mary was diagnosed with brain cancer last August. Then, Craig learned he had kidney cancer three months ago.

Last month Mary travelled to Denver, to visit Craig; he wasn't doing well. Then, Mary's health started going downhill.

Just Wednesday, Mary passed away.

Her whole family stood by her side, like they have for weeks. It's that bond which inspires friends in Stillwater.

The friends are planning a Benefit Sale and Raffle. The family's expenses are high and the friends hope to lessen their financial burden.

As for Craig, Mary's son, he's still fighting for his life in Denver.

The Benefit Sale will be on July 12 in the Stillwater National Bank parking lot on 3rd Street and Main from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

To donate or for more information, log on to the family's Web site here.