Health Center raises funds for ill friend

When IU Health Center employee Trent Whitaker heard from his doctor that he was "cancer free as of now," he said he felt overjoyed. His battle with sinus cancer was almost through. Now, he has to go through an MRI to see if he can move on with his life.\n"It's like I'm in my finals right now," he said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to beat this."\nAfter leaving his custodial job at the center in mid-March to start his chemotherapy, Whitaker was able to return to work last Wednesday. He said it feels good to be back to work, but isn't used to being up and about. It seems like Whitaker is getting back on track, but after months without a paycheck and increasing medical bills, lack of money is one challenge he still needs to overcome.\nThat's why the IU Health Center, in conjunction with the Hoosier Bar and Grill, will hold a benefit concert for Whitaker and his family to raise money for his bills. The event will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Hoosier Bar and Grill, located at 4645 W. Richland Plz.\n"We just thought it would be a nice way to help out one of our own," said Rebecca Ramsey, an IU Health Center employee and organizer for the event. "Trent is one of the nicest guys at the center and we just wanted to do anything we can to help him out. We miss having him at work."\nThe idea for the fundraiser came from Dan Swafford, a former Health Center employee and manager of the Hoosier Bar and Grill. After meeting with Ramsey and other friends of Whitaker, they thought it would be a great way to help out a friend.\nAt the event, the Screaming Coyotes will perform their eclectic music, and the Late Bluemers will perform authentic Chicago and Mississippi Delta Blues from artists like Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Junior Wells and Willie Dixon. The event will have a donation-only cover charge and door prizes will be given. Prizes include a piece of the Pentagon, donated by Bybee Stone Company, a free massage, restaurant coupons and autographed soccer balls, basketballs and footballs from IU coaches, said Lorraine Goins, entertainment director for the Hoosier Bar and Gril.\nWhitaker said he is thankful for all the support he has gotten from his friends and family. He said his wife Mashawn and his kids, Erik, 10, and Marissa, 7, have given him plenty of love and support.\nHis co-workers at the IU Health Center have also pitched in by holding yard sales to help raise money for his family. Whitaker said he will stop by the fundraiser to thank everyone who has helped him.\n"They've been just awesome," he said. "It really shows you that you are cared for."\nWhitaker said he has been through a lot in the past year, but he has come out of it a better man.\n"You can't take things for granted," he said. "I know it sounds cliche, but it really is true. When I was away from work, I just couldn't sit down. Even though I was tired, I just didn't want to waste any time. I just went out and did it. Now that I am about to move on, I just don't want to waste the opportunity"