LISBON — Just a few weeks ago, Lisbon resident Keith Barry, 41, of 96 Pinewoods Road, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia — one of the most lethal forms of leukemia in terms of life expectancy after diagnosis and treatment. Currently, Keith is in Central Maine Medical Center receiving chemotherapy, bravely and honorably facing the biggest fight of his — and his young family’s — life.

Standing in solidarity with Keith, his wife Jenica, and three school-aged children, Zach, Luke and Leah, are tightly bound communities within Lisbon, Androscoggin County, Sagadahoc County and beyond. This group, aptly dubbed “Team Keith,” has sprung into action to help the family — from making the family’s daily meals, to watching the family’s children when needed, to clearing his driveway and steps of snow and ice, to giving monetary donations, to round-the-clock visits in the hospital.

“Team Keith” has also planned a benefit dinner and silent auction at the Knights of Columbus No. 1947, 2 Columbus Drive in Brunswick, on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 10 p.m., in Keith’s honor, to help raise much-needed funds to keep this family’s heads above water during this tough time.

Any cash and donation admission is welcomed. A potluck dinner, DJ, cash bar, raffles, 50/50 and many silent auction items will be offered.

“When I got word that my buddy Keith had cancer, I decided on the spot to get involved and focus on getting the Lisbon community and his friends to work as a team to help Keith and his family through this very real crisis,” says Lisbon Falls’ Neil LaRochelle Jr., de facto leader of “Team Keith” and the owner of LaRochelle’s Seafood in Auburn.

It is worth noting that, according to Businessweek.com and other reputable sources, the no. 1 cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States is a health crisis that keeps a family from earning an income to pay its bills.

“Keith and his family are truly blessed in terms of good friends, but … well, the Barrys, like many hard-working, every-day Americans, are not blessed with wealth,” says friend and Lisbon Falls resident Tom Fish. “We hope anyone who has dealt with cancer on any level might consider donating to Keith’s cause to make sure that the only concern Keith has right now is his health and his family’s well-being.”

Barry works at Tambrands and Jenica is employed by Geiger.

“Keith’s fighting this cancer like a champ, and he knows he has all of us in his and his family’s corner,” says friend and Lisbon resident Heather Baker Parker. “And frankly, he’s going to win this fight.”

Charitable donations can be made in person at any of the 15 branches of Five County Credit Union, where a special account has been created for the Barry family. Online donations can be made at GoFundMe.com (Keith Barry and family relief fund.) All donations go directly to the Barry family.