Lifelong Belle Plaine resident Larry Bratsch fought off cancer once, but it’s back.

Last year, he was diagnosed with Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s Disease. More recently, doctors have said they can’t do anything more for him.

Bratsch has weeks to live.

Jordan Mayor Ron Jabs, who calls Bratsch his best friend, stopped by the office of your local newspaper last week to tell the editor about a fund-raiser put on by the Friends of Larry Bratsch.

Bratsch’s daughter Amy wrote the following:

"My dad is my hero. Even though life has not dealt him the hand that he wanted, he has been a fighter through everything that life has thrown at him. ... It was a hard hit for our entire family and all we could do was stand by and support the decisions that he had to make in the long process of overcoming this deadly disease. ... His mind is sharp, but over the last few months, he has slowly lost the power of some of his muscles. He can no longer walk but has a super cool red scooter to tool around in now. It is very difficult seeing the person that you grew up doing things like hunting, rollerskating, shopping, and going on roller coasters with at a point in his life he has no control over. As for the present, we have recently been informed that there is nothing more that can ever be done for my dad. His liver is failing, and therefore, he can no longer do chemo treatments to fight off the cancer. He is going to live the next few months trying to be comfortable and spending time with those family and friends that are dear to his heart. We all love him so much, and any time that we all get to spend with him and my mom is a true blessing. Please remember that every day is a blessing from God, so enjoy the time you have with those that are close to you and never take a minute for granted."

The benefit for Bratsch is scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Belle Plaine High School, 220 S. Market St. There will be a silent auction, a live auction, food, and a bake sale.

Free-will donations are accepted at the door. Cash donations can be made at Belle Plaine State Bank, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is sponsoring the event.

For more information, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/larrybratsch or call 952-873-4324.