Hoffmans fighting the cancer battle together

“It's very hard to see the person you love go through this,” said an emotional Lee Anne Hoffman, referring to her husband Bruce's current battle with cancer.

In early January, Bruce Hoffman was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, a cancer that affects the stomach. He is currently undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy to fight the aggressive type of cancer.

Hoffman has been the Supervisor of Maintenance at the Minneota Manor for the past three years and continues to work despite having shed over 30 pounds and being weak and tired from the chemotherapy.

“He has always enjoyed working and helping others,” said Lee Anne. “In fact, when we got all this snow he jumped in the skidloader and cleaned out some of the neighbors’ driveways.

And he refuses to take any pay because that's what he loves doing; helping others.” And now it's Bruce’s time to receive some help from others.

In order to help the Hoffman family defray some of the medical expenses incurred throughout Bruce's battle, a benefit will be held from 5-8 p.m. on April 13 at the American Legion in Minneota.

The benefit, hosted by a committee of five, will include a silent auction, pulled pork meal with chips and a dessert, and entertainment.

The Hoffmans live in Minneota. Bruce and Lee Anne have two children, Jessica, 33, of Marshall; and Adam (and his wife Emily), 30, of Minneota. They also have four grandchildren. Jessica has twin daughters, Autum and Piper; and a son, Elliott. Adam and Emily have one son, Zander.

Bruce is a graduate of Minneota High School, and Lee Anne graduated from Marshall. They met during their senior year of high school. “Bruce is a very positive person and he had remained positive through all of this,” said Lee Anne, who has operated a daycare in her home for the past 30 years.

“The help we have received from others has been tremendous. Every day, someone has been out here blowing snow early in the morning so the parents can get in the driveway when they drop off their kids for daycare.”

Lee Anne recalled the first time someone came over and cleaned their driveway upon hearing of Bruce's illness.

“Bruce stood in the front window and cried,” she said. “It was a very emotional time for Bruce and all of us. Just knowing that people care and knowing that he has never really needed help before. It's always been Bruce that does the helping.”

Initially, Bruce was having acid reflux problems and was being treated for that in late November and early December.

When medications weren't alleviating the problem, Bruce went to the hospital in Marshall on Jan. 8 for tests. It was then that he was diagnosed with cancer.

Bruce then was referred to the Mayo Clinic for additional tests on Jan. 16. Through ultrasound and other tests, it was learned that the cancer, which made its way through the layers of the abdominal wall, has also metastasized to his esophagus and intestines. Nodules on his liver were also discovered. “

Bruce hadn't been able to eat much,” said Lee Anne. “He's 6-foot-3 and normally weighs 180 to 185 pounds. But he was down to 139 pounds.”

A feeding tube was inserted during a surgical procedure at the Mayo Clinic, allowing Bruce to eat with less discomfort.

He has since put on 11 pounds and now weighs around 150, but still is careful what he eats. “He just feels he will beat this,” said Lee Anne.

“He always says he's not going to give up." And his family is the main reason why he refuses to concede to the illness.

"He's just loves his grandchildren," Lee Anne said.

"Someone said to us that he's the best grandpa they've ever seen.” As far as the upcoming benefit, Lee Ann became very emotional when describing what it means to her and her family. “It means the world to us,” she said.

“I don't know what we would do without it. There are no words you can really say about it because thank you doesn't seem like enough.” The Bruce Hoffman Benefit committee members are seeking items for the silent auction.

Those interested can call Mary Maher at 507-530-0429, Jody East at 517-745-5972, or Caryn Hetland at 507-530-5179.