After a long battle with cancer, Thom Cleveland left behind his wife, three children and an incomplete home — both emotionally and structurally.

Laura Cleveland, of Riverside, said her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer about five years ago. After four surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Thom died Sept. 2. Laura was a stay-at-home mom with their three children while Thom was a self-employed contractor, and the sole bread-winner for the family.

“He was self-employed; he didn’t have any insurance,” Laura said. “We went through any savings we had when he got sick.”

Right before Thom was diagnosed, he began building an addition to the family home. The addition remains incomplete. Fellow contractors and friends of Thom have offered their help in finishing the project with the main concern being the roof, now that winter is coming. A benefit is set for Sunday to help raise money to complete the roof and the home’s interior.

“I have a house that is half-completed and a lot of his contractor friends have stepped in and helped with that work,” Laura said.

Laura said she has been amazed by the contractors and the community pitching in to help where they can in her financial struggles and believes this fundraiser is an excellent way to help her family even more.

MaryBeth Demitro, a family friend from Riverside, is heading up the fundraiser for the Cleveland family. Laura was always someone who would step in and offer anything to anyone, Demitro said. The benefit will go to keep the Clevelands above water and help them through their time of need, according to Demitro.

“I am just stunned by all the support we are getting,” Demitro said. “When all this happened to them, when Thom found out he had cancer, he progressively got worse and was unable to finish the home. We have got so much support to help them finish the home.”

Demitro said all the money raised at the fundraiser will go to the Clevelands and she hopes the money from the raffle could be used to set up a scholarship in Thom’s name.

Laura said she is not sure what all the money will go toward but the main concern is keeping the families head above water.

“What has been amazing is the community, they have been there every step of the way and I am just amazed and overwhelmed at the outpouring,” Laura said.