Colorado resident and veteran with rare cancer holds benefit to help others

A man battling cancer is hoping to make the battle a little easier for others.

Jason Linta was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. While Jason and his wife Audrey deal with the cancer day to day and treatment to treatment, they're hoping to provide support to others across the country battling rare forms of cancer.

On Saturday, the Lintas are holding a fundraiser through their nonprofit organization JBirdsJourney. The event features pro athletes Lamarr Houston and Sammy Vasquez Jr. along with a Broncos cheerleader. The trio will be signing autographs. There is also a silent auction, raffle drawing and much more.

The event is taking place at the Purple Toad in Falcon at 11870 Stapleton Dr. The address may show up as Peyton for multiple search engines. It is scheduled to start at about 11 a.m. and last until about 5 p.m.

More from the Facebook Event Page:

Autographed memorabilia, silent auction, food & entertainment. Special appearance & autographs by pro athletes Lamarr Houston & Sammy Vasquez, Jr. All proceeds benefit Jbirdsjourney to help others battling rare cancers. Come out and support a great cause!! Let’s help find a cure for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma while supporting Jason Linta and his battle with LGACC as well as others battling rare cancers and illnesses #jbirdstrong #jbirdsjourney

Jbirdsjourney, a nonprofit corporation, began when Jason ("JBird"), a military firefighter with over 23 years of service, was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in glandular tissues. In Jason's case, the cancer is in the lacrimal gland behind his right eye. And so began his journey, a much longer battle than any firefight.

When speaking to the doctors to develop a treatment plan, Jason and his wife, Audrey, learned of some stories of others with this rare disease. Some of the treatments are experimental and not covered by some insurance plans.

While Jason and Audrey feel fortunate that Jason is able to get treatment and they have a support system to help them through this tremendous trial, they realize there are others in worse circumstances.

Jbirdsjourney is their response to this challenge. They want to not only spread awareness about rare diseases such as Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, but also to make sure no one has to fight a battle like this alone.