For over 20 years, Marcia Brunner volunteered her time with the Phinney Neighorhood Association, Greenwood Senior Center and the Greenwood Seafair Parade, while spending ten hours a week tutoring children at Adams Elementary School.

Now Brunner, 59, is fighting an expensive battle with leukemia and the community is paying her back, rallying behind her to raise money for medical expenses.

The family's medical insurance will pay for 90 percent of the stem cell transplant. What isn't covered is the process of searching for the donor match, testing and the procurement of that match.

Brunner's husband, Dan, estimates the medical bills will be anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000.

"Financially, it's a big hit no matter what," Dan said.

The Brunners have a son, named Dan Johnson and daughters Kerri and Jamie, along with six grand kids.

In a statement written by Johnson appealing for help, he wrote, "This round with leukemia, Marcia and Dan's out of pocket expenses for a lifesaving stem cell transplant have depleted much of the family savings and forced them to re-mortgage the house. As news of Marcia's health crisis spread, friends and neighbors speculated that the financial struggle must be getting difficult."

Last Friday, hundreds of people attended a benefit dinner at St. John's Catholic Church held to benefit Brunner. Restaurants from the Greenwood business community provided food for the event.

Brunner's supporters are now brainstorming on other ways to help their friend. They are selling buttons with her picture and bracelets for a $5 donation or any amount to make it easy for people to make a contribution on a variety of levels.

On Nov. 15, Brunner began chemotherapy treatments and is expected to be hospitalized for four to six weeks.

She was first diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukema in 1996 at the age of 49. Chemotherapy was successful and her cancer went into remission for the next six years.

The cancer came back in 2002 and additional chemotherapy treatments did not work.

Doctors used her own stem cells they harvested from her during her healthy period of remission to treat her. This saved her life.

Now that she is in her third battle with this cancer, Brunner has the help of an anonymous stem cell donor who is an 85 percent match.

She does not know who the donor is. Brunner only knows it is a woman, 36 years old, who lives in the United States.

"The doctors are not super optimistic. They would have liked a better (100 percent) match. The match is acceptable. They have had positive outcomes with an 85 percent match," said Brunner.

Meanwhile friends and family continue meeting to strategize on ways to fundraise on Brunner's behalf.

"Marcia has been there for everybody. It's time we're there for her," said Anne Bowden, development director at the Phinney Neighborhood Association.

The community's loyalty to Brunner was built on her years of volunteer service.

Brunner was one of the first members of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, starting in 1981 when she volunteered in the office with Executive Director Ed Medeiros when he was the only staff member.

"Whenever there is a cause, Marcia is there to help. She takes care of sick neighbors and does the things that no one else will do," said Medeiros.

Volunteering her time is a passion for Brunner. "It keeps me busy. I enjoy the work," she said.

Brunner worked on the Greenwood Seafair Parade committee for 15 years and was the coordinator for five years until relinquishing that role two years ago.

"It's a fun event. People have a good time. It's a committee of people, not just me," said Brunner.

At Adams Elementary, Brunner helps kids with math and spelling. She also works in the front office when needed.

"My kids are all grown and are on their own. I wanted to keep myself busy. I like working with people and little kids. I like serving folks," Brunner said.

Brunner joined the Board of Directors of the Greenwood Senior Center this year. Prior to that, she was on the fundraising committee.

Medeiros said Brunner is an institution in Greenwood and most people involved in community know about her work.

"If anyone needs help, she is always there. Everyone who comes in contact with her cares about her," said Medeiros.

After her chemotherapy treatments, Brunner will go in for her stem cell transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in January.

Brunner admits she is scared about the treatments, but is comforted by the love shown to her at a time of need.

"My family, friends and neighbors are all pulling for me, it's amazing. I am blessed to have them," said Brunner.

Visit http://www.HopeForMarcia.com