Earlier this year, former Rochester Century and Rochester Ice Hawks standout hockey player Justin Phelps was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The Rochester native has Ewing's sarcoma of the stomach. The form of cancer is rare, because sarcoma usually invades bones or soft tissue, and it's usually found in children from age 9-16.
Phelps, 24, started having symptoms in March, but the cancer wasn't diagnosed until September. He is undergoing nine months of chemotherapy at Methodist Hospital.
Phelps was recently married, and wife Amelia is expecting the couple's first baby, a daughter, in January.
Phelps played on Century's 2007 state-tournament team, and then joined the Ice Hawks from 2007-10. He was the team captain and a fan favorite during his final year with the Ice Hawks.
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A Caringbridge site has been set up for those interested in following Phelps' battle with cancer — www.caringbridge.org/visit/justinphelps
Due to mounting medical bills, a benefit is being held in Phelps' honor on Saturday at Wicked Moose Bar and Grill. The benefit, entitled "GIT R DONE," starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 12:30 a.m.
There will be a chicken and burger buffet and a bake sale to kick off the event. Those interested in donating to the bake sale can drop off items starting at 10 a.m. at Wicked Moose.
A raffle and a silent auction begin at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. There's a live auction from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and a live band "Push and Turn" is performing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monetary donations can be made at any Merchants Bank location under the "Phelps Family Fund" in care of Sheryl Langer.
For more information or if you're interested in donating items for the auction, contact Langer at sheryl.langer@hbci.com or 269-9836.
