Benefit planned to support Greenville woman battling cancer

CAIRO―An estimated 168,000 to 170,000 people in the United States are currently living with metastatic breast cancer. Alyssa Engler of Greenville is one of them.

This Sunday, April 12, friends and family are coming together for a community benefit at Angelo Canna Town Park in Cairo to support the 33-year-old in her battle against the disease.

“Alyssa is strong, hardworking and funny. She always keeps us laughing even through her fight,” said Engler’s mother, Debra Acompora.

A mom herself to a 10-year-old son, Engler’s stage four diagnosis came last October and the disease has spread to her spine and ribs.

She began treatment in November at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston on a clinical trial. But since then, Engler has been unable to work.

“She is a wonderful mom who loves taking her son to his soccer games, fishing, roller skating and just genuinely loves spending time with him and her whole family,” said Acompora.

“She would give someone the shirt off her back if she could,” Acompora said, adding that her daughter is always donating to help people even when she doesn't have it.

Sunday’s benefit is open to all and runs from noon to 5 p.m. and includes live music, raffles, 50/50 drawings and food available for purchase. Multiple vendors will be set up and there will be a firetruck for kids to explore.

All proceeds go to Engler to help cover medical bills, transportation and stays in Boston, and everyday expenses.

“She's a wonderful daughter, sister, cousin and friend who is very loved by so many people,” said Acompora.