Michelle and Ryan Swearer are pictured.

SHEFFIELD — Michelle Swearer has spent years battling serious health issues. She was first diagnosed with Stage 3 Non Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008 and underwent aggressive chemotherapy and lengthy hospital stays before reaching remission. In the years that followed that health ordeal, she developed Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — COPD, Hashimotos thyroiditis and fybromyalia.

“My COPD has gotten so bad that I can’t walk upstairs without almost passing out, wheezing, and coughing,” Swearer said.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in yet another strain placed upon her health. To be there to help during the day with her recovery, Swearer’s husband, Ryan, made the difficult decision to leave a higher paying day job for a lower paying night position.

While the arrangement made it possible for him to be there with her, it came at a big financial cost. By the time she had recovered enough for him to return to his previous position, the job had already been filled. This left the couple with a permanent reduction of income that they haven’t been able to recover from

Recently, the couple suffered another major setback. On May 25, Ryan was flown via helicopter to Buffalo after he sustained a serious hand injury that severed a tendon. This left him unable to work.

“Not being able to work has been rough,” Ryan said. “Six months recovery time if everything goes good.”

He goes back to see the orthopedic surgeon later this month to find out if another surgery will be needed.

“But the surgeon has been talking about surgery already,” he added.

As the bills continued to pile up, Ryan confessed that their utilities were close to being shut off. Unable to keep up on vehicle payments have also led to vehicles being repossessed.

Michelle echoed Ryan’s words, “We are about to get our utilities shut off and lose our home.”

Family and friends have organized a benefit that will be at noon on Sunday, July 19 at the Sheffield Hospitality Center, located at 511 S. Main St. There will be a Chinese auction and a 50-50 at the benefit. There will also be lunch available for $5 that consists of a Smith’s hot dog, a bag of chips, and a drink.

The public is invited to attend the benefit.

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