54-year-old Rick Severson of East Vancouver recently got the news no one wants to hear: Stage four liver and colon cancer.

On top of that scary diagnosis, Rick's home business was in trouble, and he was running out of options. The good news is that Vancouver Nut and Bolt was willing to employ Rick even after they learned of his diagnosis, but after a full day of work Rick is too tired to do the basic work needed around his home.

That's where his friends and community members come in.

This coming Sunday a group of 20 or so of Clark County residents--some who don't even know Rick--are meeting at his home for a "fix-it party". They'll be working on the broken front porch, fixing the stove and dishwasher, addressing several electrical issues and just doing whatever is needed to make Rick's life a little better. "I'm so sick of hearing about bad news," says friend Arnie Kuchta. "I am thinking that these days it's nice to hear about folks doing something to help a friend and a neighbor."

The work crews will start at 9 a.m. on Sunday, December 10th, and hope to wrap up around 1:30 p.m.

Rick lives in the country north of Camas, so allow yourself time to get there from Portland (but on Sunday there won't be any traffic!!!):

9809 NE 222nd Avenue, Vancouver WA 98682

Contact : Arnie Kuchta : (360) 901-7908

(Release written by Clark County Fire District 6 PIO Dave Schmitke, although District 6 is not affiliated with this story. Mr. Kuchta is an employee of CCFD6)