BROOKVILLE — The annual Team Danimal fundraiser for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation is scheduled Friday, July 7, from 4-9 p.m. at the Brookville VFW, 210 Carr Drive.

The event is being held in the memory of Daniel Linville, who died from lung cancer in 2011 at the age of 33.

“We will be hosting a gift basket raffle,” Daniel’s mother, Belinda Linville, said

“Forty-four prizes have been donated and can be won by purchasing tickets either in person that night, or virtually by following the instructions on the Facebook page, Team Danimal, now until July 6,” Belinda continued.

Belinda indicated ticket holders do not have to be present to win a prize.

Belinda said Daniel was 26 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in late 2011.

“He was a non-smoker who developed a cough. His type of lung cancer, a non-small cell ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene mutation, had just been identified a few years earlier and we struggled to stay one-step ahead of the cancer,” Belinda said.

“Due to research and new treatments, Dan was able to extend his life seven more years, with a pretty high quality of life, until it caught up with him and he lost the battle in late 2018,” Belinda continued.

Belinda said Dan was a 2004 Brookville High School graduate and an industrial engineer for Norwood Tool Company in Dayton.

“He was an avid fisherman and boater, a heck of a horseshoe thrower, and a very beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, fiance, and friend,” Belinda said.

Belinda said Dan’s death was devastating, something she doesn’t want anybody to endure.

That is why, Belinda said, the fundraiser was established.

“To help others not experience the loss we have, we honor Daniel’s life by raising much needed funding for lung cancer research,” Belinda said.

“Lung cancer kills more people annually than breast cancer, prostrate cancer, and colon cancer combined and it is the least funded. Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer at any age,” Belinda added.

Belinda said to date, Team Danimal, through a variety of fundraisers over the last 10 years, has contributed more than $50,000 to the quest to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

“The community is welcome and encouraged to join us,” Belinda said.

“Any size donation is appreciated,” Belinda continued.

Belinda said snacks, music, and a cash bar will also be available at the fundraising event.

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected].