Joe Martin Jr. loves his family, friends, demolition derbies and fishing.

Now that he is on dialysis and has been diagnosed with cancer, his loved ones need help to make sure Martin can grab a reel and go to a derby many times over in the future.

That’s why they will hold a benefit beginning at 5 p.m. September 10 at the VFW Post No. 3772, 2100 Jefferson Street, with dinner to start proceedings before the auction begins an hour later.

“We are now trying to sell produce to make ends meet,” Sara Matin, his wife of 44 years, said. “We have a small garden. We are in need of donations for the benefit and everyone trying to help works also.”

Raffle tickets will be sold up to 7 p.m. for a chance to win a Taurus 9MM G2, donated by Citizen Ammo Mexico and a Ruger 10-22 rifle, donated by Graf & Sons.

The winner does not have to be present to claim his/her prize but must go to either business to fill out proper paperwork to pick up the firearm.

According to Sara, Joe – who would “give the shirt off his back for anyone – has his good and bad days.

“He’s scared of this cancer and tires easily,” Sara said. “No one understands dialysis: Watching your blood go in and out. He’s really tired and grumpy after dialysis.”

Sara reported a complication that is now attached to Joe’s cancer diagnosis is that he is now no longer on the kidney donor list.

“We have three great kids and are together 24-7,” Sara said. “I worry so much about him and I check on him throughout the night. We were married when I was 16 and he was 17.

“I love him more than anything.”

For more information, contact Rose at 573-473-8803 or Sara at 573-975-7226.