Published: August 31, 2008 09:29 pm         

Family, friends to gather for benefit

Event slated to aid Bob Sheahan

DANVILLE — Bob Sheahan’s family and friends are scattered, and even he doesn’t live in the area anymore.

Just the same, relatives, co-workers and friends will gather in a central location Saturday for a benefit to raise money for the ex-Danville resident.

Sheehan, 38, of Hobart, Ind., has been battling colon cancer for three years, and it has spread to other organs.

“He’s pretty upbeat about things,” said his sister, Andie Baum, who lives in the Oakwood-Catlin area. “He’s more concerned about his family being taken care of.”

Sheehan has medical insurance, but it doesn’t cover all of his expenses. He has a wife and three children, ages 9, 14 and 15.

An avid biker, he had to sell his motorcycle to help cover expenses, a co-worker said.

A benefit will be held Saturday at Kankakee State Park to help with his expenses. The event will offer a poker party ($5 per hand), karaoke, food (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soda), 50/50 drawing and raffles. Drawings begin at 2 p.m., and winners must be present.

A native of Danville, Sheahan graduated from Bismarck-Henning High School in 1988. His parents are Wanda Dugan of Warsaw, Ind., and Tom Sheahan of Homewood.

Sheahan’s father, grandfather and uncle owned Interstate Lumber Co. in Danville.

Sheahan worked at CSX Railroad yards in Danville before being transferred to Calumet City almost five years ago. He’s been with the company about 15 years, his mother said, and now works as a dispatcher.

He’s trying to work as long as he can, Dungan said.

“People at CSX have been absolutely sensational for him,” she said. “He’s got a great support group.”

Although admitting she might be a bit prejudiced, Dungan said, “He’s such a wonderful human being. He’s an awesome guy. He’s a very strong individual.”

Baum described her brother as a dedicated family person who coaches peewee football and other sports.

The driving force behind the benefit is Cindy Neiggeman, who works at CSX in Calumet City. She put together a benefit for Sheahan on Aug. 10 at Balmoral Park Race Track — but had never met him before that.

She just knew a fellow worker needed help, and she planned a benefit at which 109 people showed up.

After she met him, she said about putting on the most recent benefit, “It’s no longer a pleasure. It’s a privilege.”

Karaoke will be offered at Saturday’s benefit because Sheahan has a good voice, she said.

“It will be a good time, with all proceeds going to Bob,” she said.

Dungan had high praise for Neiggeman’s efforts, saying, “She’s a gift from God. She has worked so hard on these benefits for him.”

COMING UP

A benefit for Bob Sheahan, formerly of Danville, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kankakee State Park’s main shelter. Admission is $20 a person, with all proceeds going to Sheahan.

To make a donation, mail a check to: CSX Credit Union, Sheahan Fund, 1700 167th St., Calumet City, IL 60409.

For more information, call Cindy at (708) 832-2162.