AUGUSTA, Maine — A benefit in Augusta on Tuesday raised funds for an emergency dispatcher and Windsor volunteer firefighter who needs a bone marrow transplant.
The Red Barn hosted the event to benefit Adam Zibura, 32, who was diagnosed in September with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of bone marrow and blood cancer. His diagnosis came right after his wedding.
According to The Red Barn owner Laura Benedict, over $4,300 was raised and around 700 meals were served.
"Last night was life-affirming," Benedict said. "It was impactful on so many levels. I had a lump in my throat the whole night."
Along with dinner, people signed up for the bone marrow donor registry in hopes of being a match for the firefighter.
"I'm not going to be cured of cancer without it," Zibura said in an interview last week.
Zibura said he wasn't completely surprised he became sick because he has a rare genetic disorder, which makes him more likely to get cancer.
"My first thought was we're going to fight it. I'm ready to fight it," Zibura said.
After two rounds of chemotherapy, he needs someone to donate bone marrow and be a 100% match.
Visit Be The Match to find out more about being a match for Zibura or anyone else in need of a bone marrow transplant.
"You can save a life, whether it's mine or anyone else," Zibura said.
