By Kathy Paulsen, For the Tribune

A fund-raising benefit for John Steffen, who was diagnosed with esophageal and stomach cancer more than a year ago, is set for Friday, Nov. 19.

The benefit is from 5-8 p.m. at the Ellendale Community Building.

Steffen is the son of Leon and Laura Steffen of Albert Lea.

Steffen and his wife, Shaun, have two teenage sons, Justin, 15, and Finn, 14. They live in White Bear Lake, a suburb of St. Paul.

Steffen grew up in Albert Lea, served in the Marine Corps and is employed by El-Tronic Precision.

He’s been able to work only sporadically since being diagnosed in May 2004.

After being diagnosed, Steffen underwent five weeks of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

During surgery, physicians removed part of Steffen’s esophagus and stomach and removed lymph nodes.

A new stomach was reconstructed and fitted to his esophagus.

After six weeks of recuperation, Steffen began another round of chemotherapy.

Since then, he’s suffered multiple side effects.

The family has undergone multiple expenses, causing financial stress.