COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND CASTAIC LEADER CANCER-STRICKEN TRACY JARA TO BENEFIT.

Byline: PATRICIA FARRELL AIDEM

Staff Writer

CASTAIC -- Tracy Jara helped build the community of Castaic, and if the event planned this weekend to help his family through a really tough time is any indication, he's done an incredible job.

Jara's community -- friends, family, business associates and others -- are holding a benefit Saturday to help the Jara family manage while Tracy battles late-stage cancer.

"You just can't believe the outpouring of support, the amazing response from the Castaic community," said Deborah Dion, one of the event organizers. "One couple just donated $500, and they don't want him to know who they are."

No one is more deserving of the honor. The Jara family took in victims left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Dion said they were her support when she was alone after a devastating traffic accident, and they have helped her rebuild a new career.

So far about 500 people are expected at Saturday's event that will include a comedy show, professional music entertainment and high-end auction items, Dion said.

The goal is to help cover medical bills and other costs that are mounting as Jara fights an incurable cancer of unknown origin that has taken over the lining of his stomach.

"They had asked us a couple of times if they could do something for us, but we shied back a little. It's humbling," wife Maria Jara said of the benefit. "But we were flabbergasted when they told us what they had planned -- my husband was literally brought to tears. People we don't even know are offering things, offering to help.

"It's incredible, absolutely incredible."

Jara served four terms as president of the Castaic Chamber of Commerce, has been the community's Man of the Year, and his and Maria's T&M Enterprizes, a private mail shop, has been Castaic's Business of the Year.

The awards are honors for hard, selfless work. Jara has helped build Castaic on several fronts. He put together the annual free Summer Mix Bash with free food, booths and entertainment. He's worked with chamber education foundations, the Lions Club and the Castaic Town Council.

"He's a great guy. He cares about so many people," said Maria Jara. "I'm a lucky person."

The Jaras have two daughters, Veronica, 20, and Jenna, 18. They opened their business shortly after moving to Castaic about nine years ago.

Since Jara's diagnosis in April, friends have tried to repay the family. Not a day goes by that Maria isn't asked about her husband and what the family needs.

Jara's cancer is incurable, though it's treatable for now, his wife said. The illness causes fluid to collect in his stomach -- sometimes as much as 15 pounds is drained in a matter of minutes.

"He's so strong, you'd be amazed. He does it for me and the girls. He's so touched that so many people want to help," Maria Jara said.

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