Eileen Strong

ATTICA — First-responders and the community showed support Sunday for a crew member who has spent two and a half decades doing EMS work. Attica-Venice-Reed EMS District and Attica-Venice-Reed Fire District hosted an Eileen Strong benefit for Eileen Anderson, an Attica-Venice-Reed EMS District paramedic diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer. "I never knew I had this much support," Anderson told those gathered at the benefit. The event at Attica Fairgrounds included a spaghetti dinner, children's obstacle course and touch a truck. Also, fans attending Friday's football game between Seneca East and Mohawk donated more than $700 for Anderson. During Sunday's event, Barb Charlton, Attica-Venice-Reed EMS coordinator, presented Anderson with a service award. Anderson has been involved with Seneca County EMS for the last 25 years. "She's not spent all 25 of her years here with us, but we're all one family in Seneca County," Charlton said. "(It) doesn't matter which squad, whether it's New Riegel, Bettsville, Republic, Bloomville, Bascom or we're Attica, it's Seneca County EMS." Anderson started her EMS career in Green Springs in January 1994, found her home with Attica-Venice-Reed EMS District once Green Springs EMS was finished, volunteered some time in Bettsville and has been a full-time paramedic with Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Service in Bucryus, according to the EMS district. "She donated her time for 25 years," said Jay Featheringill, an auctioneer who led the auction at Sunday's benefit. Anderson's journey with cancer started a few months ago. Her doctor saw a mass in her liver, and she was transferred from Bucyrus Community Hospital's emergency room to Columbus. She underwent testing and was diagnosed with liver cancer. It is inoperable for now, Anderson said. Anderson has been in treatment at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James and is taking oral chemotherapy at home. She said she cannot go back to work until she has non-narcotic pain medication. Anderson said she couldn't believe officials were doing something like Sunday's benefit for her. She said Sunday was one of the days where"it's OK to be around people." "I have days where I don't like to be around people," she said. Anderson said she appreciates everybody's help and support.