Benefit planned for couple with cancer

BY DENNIS BARTLOW

COVINGTON, Ind. September 20, 2008 10:02 pm

— Larry and Fran Bumpus are facing their worst fear. The couple have been diagnosed with cancer, and since they have been self-employed, they have no insurance.
Their outlook is good, and their three children and their friends will sponsor a benefit Sept. 27 at the city park to help with expenses.
A year ago in January, Larry started limping, and he thought something was wrong with his hip.
“They found a tumor on a pelvic bone,” he said. “By September (of last year) I couldn’t walk. I was working at a rental office in Danville until then.”
He was diagnosed with multi-myleoma last November.
“I started on radiation and then chemotherapy,” he said. He now takes chemo pills once a week. He now uses a cane.
“You gradually learn to cope with it,” he said.
“You learn to accept it,” said Fran. “I had it five years, and it has started again with spots on the lung.”
She is starting chemotherapy again.
She had a masectomy five years ago and had chemotherapy and radiation.
“They had gotten it all, but they kept watching me,” she said.
While taking a Petscan, they detected the spots on the lung.
“I took a bone scan and a CATscan,” she said.
Fran’s mother had cancer, but there was no cancer in Larry’s family.
“We have had some costly bills,” said Fran, who operates a small daycare.
The Bumpuses sons’ Jay and Todd, are running a coed softball tournament on Sept. 27 at the city park, while their daughter, Michelle Fonner, and some of her friends and co-workers at Walgreen Accounting in Danville are planning other events and food beginning at 9 a.m. EDT.
Breakfast will include biscuits and gravy; lunch, hot dogs and chili; and dinner, spaghetti. Freewill donations will be accepted.
A 50/50 raffle and a bake sale are planned. Carnival games, a bounce house and face painting are planned. The Schwan’s truck will be set up to sell items and to take orders.
“We are looking for donations for an auction at 2 p.m.,” Fonner said.
She said the response from the community has been great.
“We sent out 500 letters seeking donations,” she said. “We have contacted universities, the Colts and race car drivers for the auction. We will be thankful and blessed with whatever we get.”
Fonner is appreciative of what people in the Covington area have done.
“People tell us we are praying for your Mom and Dad,” Fonner said. “It is amazing how this community responds.”
FAST FACTS
A benefit for Larry and Fran Bumpus will begin at 9 a.m. EDT Sept. 27 at Covington City Park.
Entries for the coed softball tournament should be called to Todd Bumpus at (765) 793-1506 or Jay Bumpus at (765) 793-2426. The fee is $100 plus one men’s and one women’s softball. The deadline is Wednesday.
Food and games are planned throughout the day. To donate to the auction or food items, call Michelle Fonner at (765) 585-1631.
Monetary donations may be made to the Larry and Fran Bumpus Cancer Fund at Fountain Trust.

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