Residents of the Hicksville community have joined forces to help a neighbor - and friend - in need. And they are seeking support. A fundraiser dinner will take place Saturday to raise money for Tricia Neitzel, a lifelong Hicksville resident who is battling stage IV lung cancer; Neitzel is not a smoker.

Since being diagnosed a year ago, those close to Neitzel said the Hicksville mother of two has exhibited unbelievable strength. "Although her strength is diminished, her resolve is not," said family friend Jeaniffere (Jen) Vila. "We moms - and many dads too - are her foot soldiers. We are volunteers for her cause. Tricia is juggling so much in her present condition that many of us took it upon ourselves to help her in any way possible."

As a result, those close to Neitzel have joined forces to help organize a fundraiser dinner, which will take place this Saturday. The goal of the dinner is to raise money to offset the high costs stemming from out-of-pocket expenses, including certain treatments, follow-up exams, lab tests, medications and other expenses as well as alternative treatments, which insurance does not pay for.

So far, Vila said nearly 250 people have pledged to attend the dinner with additional support streaming in from local businesses. "Just about anyone who has a heart has come out of the woodwork to support Tricia," she said. "It's amazing to see the outpouring of concern."

According to Vila, recent and unfortunate circumstances surrounding Neitzel's condition made many close to her realize the fundraiser was something that needed to be done sooner - rather than later. "Number one, the costs are mathematically out of reach for anyone in our middle class community; one would have to severely compromise the quality of his/her life and the lives of his/her loved ones. If we could minimize, or idealistically eliminate, any such compromise, it's worth it," she said.

"Number two is that Tricia is a mother, wife, daughter and sister. Number three is that she is a member of this community. We support our moms, dads, kids, schools, businesses, churches ... in order to have what we would like to call a community."

Although a monetary goal has not been set, those behind the fundraiser assure the community that 100 percent of all funds collected will go directly toward Tricia's treatment. "It's hard to throw a specific dollar amount out there since the goal is to raise as much as it would take to put Tricia into remission [but] 100 hundred percent of the money will go towards Tricia's medical treatment." said Vila. "We don't know how long that will take or what additional unforeseeable costs she will incur. We can only tell you that the out-of-pocket expense of health care is currently out of reach for many middle class families."

The fundraiser dinner auction will be held at the American Legion Hall on Willis Avenue in Williston Park, beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 15. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. For more information, email FundForTricia@yahoo.com.

"We need to support each other in any way we can. This defines us as a community. Just imagine yourself in Tricia's position or as a member of Tricia's family. Most of us have young children or have raised children to adulthood in this community. Tricia is like your neighbor. She was born and raised in this community. If your neighbor needs your help, you most likely would do what you can. But you can only do so much as an individual. The greatest impact, the most effective results, are correlated with numbers, the masses," said Vila.