By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Co-workers of a local woman are banding together for a benefit in her name as she battles a rapidly progressive cancer.

Gretchen Lampke, 33, formerly of Scheller and currently living in Mt. Vernon, was first diagnosed with mesothelioma last month. According to friend Tonya Isett, doctors now are not quite sure what type of cancer is progressing rapidly throughout Lampke’s body. But Isett and her co-workers are rallying behind their friend to help offset medical and transportation costs.

According to Lampke’s fiancé, Sean Tolley, she was originally diagnosed with mesothelioma following a biopsy of a tumor in her abdomen. However, three weeks ago, Lampke had to undergo emergency surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis due to the tumor increasing pressure on her bowels. During the course of that surgery, doctors performed another biopsy on the tumor and studied its basic composition. Tolley said it was at that time it was discovered the cancer had become “rapidly aggressive” in a manner that mesothelioma does not.

“While [the cancer] appears to have some of the properties of mesothelioma, the doctors said it’s more like a more common cancer like ovarian — but it’s not ovarian cancer. They explained the composition of the cancer is along the same lines as if a woman had ovarian cancer,” said Tolley.

Due to the aggressive growth of the tumor, Tolley continued, doctors began chemotherapy treatment for Lampke last Friday. “That went pretty well. The doctors said there’s no way to tell if she’s responding positive, but based on the latest X-rays, it seems like the cancer has stopped.”

Lampke’s parents, Karen and Jim Lampke, have been staying with her at Barnes-Jewish Hospital day and night, while Tolley, who is a teacher at Mt. Vernon Township High School, travels back and forth to the hospital, dividing his time at Lampke’s side and back here to be with their 16-month-old son, James.

According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. However, the disease has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year, the NCI reports, with the disease occurring more often in men than in women.

“She’s pretty weak and is in and out of consciousness because of pain killers and anti-nausea medication,” Tolley reported. “Her family helps out with James, and so has Barb Hamilton,” he said of a close friend and co-worker. He added that if not for Isett, Hamilton and others, the benefit would not be possible. “[They’re very] proactive. They’ve really just come together and put out 100 percent to help with bills and gas ... It’s taken me by surprise how generous and kind people have been.”

“[The cancer was] spreading fast. She’s very weak and not able to talk on the phone,” Isett said. “She’s walked many miles for us, and we want to do the same for her. They say she gets better some days, and some days are bad. But she’s not well enough to accept company to see her,” Isett said.

And while Lampke’s family and Tolley stay close to her bedside, their vigil is a positive one. “I’m trying to remain as positive as I can because I’m no use to Gretchen if I drag down through the whole thing. I’ll be as useful as I can and help her when I can,” said Tolley.

Lampke is also the niece of Donna Vancil.

A trust fund has been set up in Lampke’s name, and those wishing to make donations may send them to Peoples National Bank, c/o Mark Kabat, 4413 S. 34th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

The benefit for Lampke will be held June 21 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Rolland Lewis Building with entertainment from the Gospel Crusaders. A white elephant exchange and silent auction will also be held. Items on the menu include a spaghetti dinner, salad, breadsticks, dessert and drink.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door and are $7.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.

Another benefit is being planned for July 26 at the Waltonville VFW, Tolley noted.

For ticket information, to make a donation or further information, contact Isett at 316-3274 or Lana Glasco at 697-0389.