Fundraiser planned for cancer victim
Joe Mesenbrink
As mayor of Moyie Springs, Joe Mesenbrink has performed weddings for daughters Marie Byars and Laura Harmon.
Mesenbrink in August hopes to do the same for son, Jon, and - down the road - for his nine grandchildren.
The 62-year-old cancer victim is counting on making it to all their weddings now that he is undergoing cutting-edge treatment at the Cancer Care Center in Houston.
“This place is offering him new hope,” said Byars, whose father's pancreatic cancer recently returned and spread to his lungs and liver after undergoing surgery and seven months of chemotherapy.
Without the treatment in Texas, Mesenbrink has “months” to live. With it, he has a chance.
“They don't promise to cure everyone, but that is the ultimate goal,” Byars said.
Health insurance won't cover the costly treatment in Houston, where Mesenbrink headed on March 25. Most treatments last four to 12 months.
To offset expenses, Mesen-
brink's friends and family are planning a benefit auction at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Boundary County Middle School. Anyone wishing to donate items for the auction can drop them off at Mountain View Archery at Three-Mile Junction.
The Joe Mesenbrink Benefit Fund also has been established at Panhandle State Bank.
“We would appreciate anything the local businesses can share from merchandise to coupons for free services,” Byars said. “If you are a home party consultant, we would love to auction a basket of your products with your business cards inside. We will also auction baked goods, desserts and anything else you can think to bring us.”
Mesenbrink last May was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Prior to that, he was the picture of health.
“He would water ski, snowmobile and do everything a 30-year-old would do. He was one of the most vital people I know,” Byars said.
She claims her father has remained positive, cheerful, optimistic and productive. Even at his worst, Mesenbrink has continued to participate in his wood products business, The Boondocks.
“Usually this consists of manning the phones, organizing production and making deliveries, but he can often be found driving the forklift in the mill yard to help out his crew,” Byars said. “Our mom, Cherry, has threatened to tie him to the couch on more than one occasion to get him to take it easy.”
Moyie's mayor for 13 years, Mesenbrink has been involved as a volunteer firefighter, with Search and Rescue, Boundary County Fair Board and snowmobile activities.
“He enjoys helping people and has not yet missed a city council meeting due to his illness,” Byars said. “He says that he has every intention to finish this term and will not let cancer get in the way of his plans.”
Mesenbrink's daughter, Laura Harmon, 26, and son, Jon Mesenbrink, 29, also live in Moyie Springs. Mesenbrink is also the father of Michelle Funderburg, 37, of Pocatello.
For questions, call Byars at 267-2006, Harmon at 267-3132, Chad or Tanja Farrens at 267-3826, Mountain View Archery at 267-5151 or Lauren and Adam Michel at 267-4915; donations also can be dropped off at Michels' home in Moyie Springs.