Encore: Fundraiser Set For Johnston Mom Battling Cancer and 'Astronomical' Medical Bills

Just before Thanksgiving Deb McGrew decided it was time to do something to help her daughter and her family.

"Like any cancer patient, the medical bills are astronomical," she said. "We decided we had to do something."

Deb's daughter, Brandi Beckman, 35, was . Last spring, Brandi, her husband, Tim, and three sons Derrick, 12, Brock, 10 and Jake, 3, moved home to Johnston.

Deb and her husband, Butch, began work planning a fundraiser right after Christmas.

"We knew the medical bills were going to get even higher and higher," she said. "We have to get together and start putting something together."

Johnston Rallies to Help Beckman Family

The work has been tough, but so far the outpouring of support from the community has been outstanding. And the people they've met along the way have been gracious and kind.

"It's been my husband and I," Deb said of the event planning. "People want to know about Brandi and each time you tell the story it's hard. It's not a cancer that there is a cure for. It's just how long."

just across the interstate in Urbandale donated its back room to host the fundraiser, which includes a silent auction, on March 31 beginning at 4 p.m.

"It's just been overwhelming because we've gotten things from out of state," Deb said. "One friend that has a bar in Colorado donated a brand new Fat Tire neon sign."

The silent auction will include gift baskets, jewelry, baked goods and more. A neighbor was even able to snag tickets to the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament.

One man, after hearing the story of Brandi's medical struggles, pulled out his wallet and donated $20 to each of the Beckman children.

Starbucks Pitches In to Help Favorite Customer

The , where Brandi is a regular customer, is also collecting goods to contribute to the fundraiser.

"Starbucks has been great," Deb said. "I have gone through the drive-through with Brandi enough. She craves the iced green tea lemonade. They call it Brandi's drink."

Donations can be made for the Beckman Family at www.giveforward.com/brandisangelsfundraiser

People Deb and Butch have met with haven't just given money or items to the fundraiser, they plan to attend to meet Brandi and Tim and the boys.

"God had to have been watching out for her when they moved here," Deb said. "I sit and watch her, where she gets her energy is beyond me. She has a very good attitude. She surrounds herself with all these good people. I think that's why she's still here."