Emer works at the Orillia Square Mall, where Woolcox is property manager.

“They’ve adopted Orillia and Canada as their home and don’t have any family here,” she said. “It’s friends helping friends. We are trying to at least take their mind off the financial part of it while he works through all of the medical (treatment).”

The couple moved to Orillia from England six years ago after getting to know the area during holidays.

They have three children – two in high school and one in college.

“They are all handling it in their own way,” Emer added.

The family has received an outpouring of support from the community since Jeff’s diagnosis.

“It is very humbling,” Emer said. “You don’t realize until something like this happens that, in one sense, yes it’s awful but in another sense we are so lucky. All the support has been absolutely phenomenal. It just raises you up, it really does.”

Proceeds from a March 29 fund-raising dance at the Orillia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will go to support Allen and his family during the treatment process.

“They would be the first people to help someone else out in that situation,” Woolcox said.

The evening includes door prizes, a buffet, silent auctions, draws, and live music by the Bob Hawkins Band and WinnieBrave.

Tickets to the dance are $25, and can be purchased through W.J. Shaw Jewellery, the Orillia Square Mall, Ironside Electric Co., and Hallmark Cards.