Through food, fundraising, music and support, members of the Baker and Baldwin communities have stepped up to help Communication Department Assistant Sherrie Wood and her family as she battles illness.

Since Wood was diagnosed with the rare illness of ocular melanoma, which has metastasized to her liver, two events including a chili supper and a benefit concert are being organized to help in addition to other support given by the community.

“We definitely feel that support,” Wood said. “There is so much coming from the community and students and the city itself.”

The chili supper will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Baldwin Elementary Intermediate Center. Anyone who wants can give a free-will donation and eat chili and desserts. All proceeds will go to help Wood and her family.

The event has been organized by members of the Ives Chapel United Methodist Women groups and has received permission to use the particular location, donations for food and extra help from Baker University and other members of the community.

Student Life Coordinator Myra Glover has helped with the organization of the event and said it is not just about raising money, but also to show support for Wood as a member of the Baker family and for Wood’s family.

“When you are battling something like this, what gets you through this is support and stability from family,” she said. “It’s not just monetary, but it is to show support for Sherrie.”

Students from Baker’s Leadership and Diversity class decided to help by coordinating a benefit concert featuring bands from the Baldwin City and Lawrence area. At 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in Rice Auditorium people can hear the variety of music for a $5 donation. Freshman Adam Kenne said his class has cooperated well and the concert should be fun for students to attend in more than one way.

“It should be a good time and entertaining,” Kenne said. “And at the same time you can get a sense of helping out Sherrie and her family as they go through all of this rough patch.”

Junior Allyssa King said students in the class were glad to help someone they knew with their class project.

“It’s just because Sherrie is so important to us and students at Baker,” King said. “She’s helped a lot of people and it allows you to be there for her.”