By Lori EhdeMike Van Der Brink, rural Luverne, was honorary chairman of the 2005 Rock County Relay for Life. As a cancer survivor, his job was to serve as a spokesman for the organization that funds research for a cure. As a survivor, he was also to be an inspiration for those fighting for their lives.But shortly after Mike accepted the honor, his cancer returned in the form of a volleyball-sized tumor in his abdomen. It took nine-hour surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester on June 6 and aggressive treatment to beat it back.Doctors were optimistic about the process, but Mike said he was prepared, regardless of the outcome."If it goes for the worse, I know where I’m going," he said a few days prior to surgery. "I just made Kris promise to raise Kellie a Christian so I get to see her again."The outcome of that surgery hasn’t been positive.Tests showed that it was the same aggressive cancer he’d been diagnosed with nearly five years ago. It’s called leiomyosarcoma, a cancer known for spreading quickly, and requires what Van Der Brink called "extreme chemo."In a June 2 Star Herald story, he described treatment back then as "a knock-down, drag-out battle" that he hoped he’d never have to do again.Since this summer the tumor grew back to a size even larger than the one that had been removed — and it’s accompanied by many more other tumors. His options were additional surgery and chemotherapy that would likely kill him … or, essentially, give up. He chose to live out his remaining days without pain and nausea of treatment, according to his mother, Greta Van Der Brink."He’s holding his own. … He still has a positive attitude," she said Tuesday. "He’s holding his own, but he’s lost a lot of weight and he’s pale."It’s been four weeks since he left the hospital, and at the time, doctors told his wife, Kris, that he’d likely have only weeks to live."It’s a big load for her," Greta said about Kris. "Neither one of them is working anymore, and she’s at home taking care of him."Their daughter, Kelli, almost 2, goes to day care in order to maintain some semblance of routine."We’re still praying for a miracle," Greta said.Mike returned a call to the Star Herald late on Tuesday. He said he’s at ease with eternity, but he isn’t giving up yet."I’m still fighting this," he said. "I definitely couldn’t get through it without my faith and family. … It’s helping me tremendously."He said he and Kris are planning to make a video recording of Mike for Kelli to view when she gets older. It will feature Mike reading her a book and talking to her about her future.They have also purchased jewelry together for Kelli’s 16th birthday, 18th birthday and high school graduation. She’ll receive her daddy’s wedding band on her wedding day.Paying the bills …Mike works with Northwest Airlines and Kris is a massage therapist for Luverne Community Hospital, but neither of them is working right now.Meanwhile, the bills are piling up, and friends and family have been helping out."He keeps saying how appreciative he is of the prayers and support," Greta said Tuesday. "I don’t know how they’d do it without all these benefits from the community."She said area churches and groups have had soup suppers and other fund-raisers for Mike’s benefit. "All of that really helps," Greta said.The latest effort in the works is a benefit auction that will start at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Hills American Legion Hall.The silent auction will start at 4 p.m., and food will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the live auction, conducted by Yvette Van Der Brink of Van Der Brink Auction Service.‘Friendship Star,’ blue grass music and two roast hogsLuverne Farm Store donated two hogs to be roasted, and Tony Bosch will donate catering service to prepare it. A featured item on the auction will be a "Friendship Star" quilt donated by the Blue Mound Quilters Guild and numerous other donated items."We have everything from loads of gravel to angel food cake," Greta said about local generosity.To donate to the auction, call Yvette Van Der Brink at 673-2517. To have donated items picked up, call Harold Tilstra, 283-4019, or Steve Top, 920-8858.Carol Zwaan and her fellow band members will offer country blue grass music for a festive ambience."It should be an evening with some fun," Greta said.Mike grew up in Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School in 1987. He moved back to Luverne around 1999 and married Kris a few years later.A benefit auction will be Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Hills American Legion Hall. The silent auction will start at 4 p.m., and food will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the live auction. To donate to the auction, call 673-2517. To have donated items picked up, call Harold Tilstra, 283-4019, or Steve Top, 920-8858.