CONTINENTAL -- Even though she is only 23 years old, Laura Moreo-Boecker of Continental has struggled with deadly uterine cancer, undergone several surgeries and then finally defeated the disease.

While the days of fighting the cancer are behind her, Moreo-Boecker wants to move past the thousands of dollars of debt she and her husband, Joe Boecker, have incurred.

She also wants to raise public awareness of uterine cancer.

To that end, Moreo-Boecker's family and friends are planning a benefit for her on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Continental Conservation Club, which is located just north of town. Included in the all-day benefit are a 5K run and two-mile fun walk, a poker run, chicken dinner, live band in the evening, raffles and a silent auction.

The fund-raiser starts early in the day at 8:30 a.m. with registration for the 5K run and two-mile fun walk, which begin at 9:30 a.m. at Split Ends Salon in Continental.

There are four age groups in the race: 18 and under, 19-34, 35-49 and 50 and over. Prizes will be given to the top male and female overall finishers in the run, and refreshments will be available after the run for all competitors.

The entry fee is $15. Registration forms are available at the salon. T-shirts will be available while they last on the day of the race.

For more information on the run, contact Tara Warnement at 419-596-3793 or Denae Prowant at 419-596-3384.

The poker run starts at 1 p.m. at the conservation club, with the first motorcycle out at 3 p.m. Cost for those in the poker run is $15 for couples and $10 for singles.

There will be a $5 entry fee at the conservation club for those persons who are not participating in the poker run, but are attending the benefit.

Barbecued chicken will be served at the benefit and carryouts will be available. The price is $8.

After the poker run, the band, Almost Famous, will perform starting at 8 p.m.

Also planned is a 50/50 drawing.

Tickets will be sold for an unusual type of silent auction.

"A container will be placed in front of each item and people can buy as many tickets as they want and place them in the container," said Moreo-Boecker. "If you buy more tickets, you have a better chance of winning the item in the drawing."

Auction tickets will be $1 each or six for $5 for small items, and $5 each for larger items, such as a mattress or a dishwasher.

"I am so excited about this," Moreo-Boecker said. "I can hardly believe it is almost here."

Regarding her fight against cancer, she said, "I will be taking medication for the rest of my life." She said while there is a 50 percent chance that the cancer could reoccur, she prefers to look at it as a 50 percent chance it will not return.

She said she learned there are several symptoms of uterine cancer women can watch for including abnormal bleeding and thickening of the uterine lining.

Since she had to have a complete hysterectomy because of the cancer, she will be unable to have children.

"I always knew I wanted to have children and when I was in nursing school I found out about the process of saving and storing embryos," she said. She said she and her husband had four embryos saved with the intention of later having children through a surrogate mother.

For more information about the benefit, call Sandra Moreo at 419-596-3385 or Dean Eagleson at 419-596-3663.

Donations can be mailed to Laura Moreo-Boecker Benefit, PO Box 54, Continental 45831.