Currently undergoing a stem cell transplant in Pittsburgh, Eric Allen of Warren is fighting against multiple myeloma cancer.

In order to support Allen and his wife, Kasha, the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church, located at 168 Hessel Valley Road, Chandlers Valley, has planned a benefit spaghetti dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until meals are sold out) on Saturday, April 20, from the bottom of the church’s driveway. Meals will be distributed via drive through or pick-up only.

Allen, 42, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August 2023. Before his diagnosis he worked at Carter Lumber for 18 years. “Through the help of Carter Lumber, family, friends and the community Eric was able to get through for a while, but the hospital bills and travel expenses are becoming overwhelming,” explained Kasha Allen.

In order to combat the disease, he and his team of doctors have tried chemotherapy and radiation between August and December of 2023. He was admitted to West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh for a month-long stay for treatments.

According to Kasha Allen, while her husband underwent chemotherapy treatments his immune system became non-existent, barely functioning.

Due to this fact, he suffered from Influenza B and Bi-Lateral Pneumonia, requiring more extended hospital stays in Pittsburgh.

“I was able to stay with him for some of the time but with three children at home I had no choice but to travel back and forth for their care as well,” Kasha Allen said.

All proceeds raised during the spaghetti benefit dinner will go directly to the Allen family, according to church representatives.

For those unable to make it to the benefit dinner but wish to contribute to Allen’s medical fight, donations can be sent to: Hessel Valley Lutheran Church, 168 Hessel Valley Road, PO Box 43, Chandlers Valley, PA 16312. Checks should be made payable to HVLC with Eric’s name written on the memo line.

Family members request that supporters and those wishing to help in Eric Allen’s medical fight to use the social media hashtag #ALLENSTRONG in order to help spread the word.