ARABIA — Patrick Hamrick has been battling leukemia since 2009 and is preparing to receive a stem cell transplant this week at the Ohio State University James Cancer Center in Columbus.

Family and friends are working hard to make this tough journey a little easier for Hamrick and his wife of one year, Alicia.

Hamrick, 33, of Arabia, is expected to remain in the hospital for four weeks and then be within minutes of the hospital for 100 days. During this time, the pair will be staying in an apartment as Hamrick recovers.

To help offset the financial hardship this can bring, friends and family are hosting a hog roast from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at C&C Grocery on State Route 141 in Arabia.

Everyone is invited and asked to bring a covered dish and a donation. Several bands and singers are lined up for entertainment, and there will be an auction at 4 p.m., with a variety of items, including a gas grill, a pony and several gift baskets.

“They’ve got a lot of stuff if we can just get the people there,” said Nancy Clark, Hamrick’s mother-in-law. Clark said she isn’t set on a financial goal for the event.

“We’re just hoping and praying that the weather stays good and a lot of people show up,” Clark said.

Clark described Hamrick as a super nice young man. His health has deteriorated rather quickly.

“Things were going really well, but it’s a fast acting cancer and it has just taken over his body,” Clark said.

Clark said Hamrick’s spirits remain good.

For more information or to make donations, call (740) 643-2060.