COLUMBIA — Charlene Purvis lost her husband to cancer in August. Six months later, her 37-year-old son died from cancer, too.
On Tuesday, Purvis sat on a couch in the living room of her trailer watching her 5-year-old grandson sleep. She worried about the medical expenses, funeral costs and bill collectors. Purvis doesn't know whether she'll be able to keep or care for her trailer, which is run-down and roach-infested.
She still cannot afford to bury her son's ashes.
Friends of the Purvis family will host a benefit to commemorate Harlan and Corey Purvis and to provide financial assistance to the family. The event is Friday at the Fraternal Orders of Eagles, 2513 N. Stadium Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be an auction at 7 p.m. and a dance at 9 p.m. Money raised will go to a financial trust fund at First National Bank.
For more information or to make a donation or provide an item for the auction, call Shela Storzer at 447-0008 or Connie Cirincione at 239-2310.