The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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June 12, 2009

Hennessey community, others lend assistance to Lara family

By Violet Hassler, Staff Writer

HENNESSEY — Roberto and Shannon Lara have lived all their lives in Hennessey, so it is no surprise to their families their friends would support them in time of need.

But it can be a bit much to digest.

“The goodness of everybody has been overwhelming,” said Teresa Wood, Shan-non’s mother. “It’s been humbling.”

Shannon has been in a comatose state since an accident March 18. At the time, she was taking the couple’s 6-year-old daughter, Shaelyn, to chemotherapy. It is Shaelyn’s second bout with cancer. Neither she nor her sister, 3-year-old Karlyee, were seriously injured in the accident.

Shortly thereafter, Roberto lost his job, he said, a blessing as it allowed him time to take care of family.

With all that has befallen the family, the community of Hennessey decided to take up the slack, with several individuals and businesses helping them keep the lights on and food on the table.

The call to aid has spread to Enid, where a fundraising kickball tournament will be Saturday at Kellet Ballpark, 2300 S. Cleveland.

In addition to the tournament, which begins at 8 a.m., there will be T-shirts for sale and a cookout luncheon consisting of hamburger, chips and drink for $5. All proceeds benefit the Lara family. Wood said they are hoping to be there early in the day, as Shaelyn cannot be out in the heat for any length of time.

Also that day Northwest Oklahoma Blood Institute will take blood donations from noon to 4 p.m.

The event, sponsored through Jayla Alexsis Tuck Cancer Foundation, will be a donation point for non-perishable food, household products and clothing. Sizes can be obtained by calling 233-6303.

Rose Rock Bank in Hennessey has set up an account through the local ministerial alliance for the Laras at Rose Rock Bank, P.O. Box 724, Hennessey, OK 73742.

Wood said Hennessey has embraced the family, with a local IGA store putting up a stamp card many in the community donate to for groceries for the family. Sonic allowed a group to car hop for tips for the family one night and donated a portion of its proceeds. A group of Shannon’s acquaintances that calls themselves Circle of Friends has held fundraisers for the family.

The donations and work of area residents have gone a long way toward giving the family peace of mind, Wood said. Since Roberto can stay with the girls, it has produced a routine of sorts.

“It’s gotten a lot better,” Wood said, adding she appreciates all that has been done and the prayers.

“The biggest way to help is to continue to pray.”

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