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When the going gets tough, it's always nice to know that you have a community ready to help you out and stick by you. Which is exactly what a local church, Haran Baptist, has been doing for a local family- one many of them have never even met.

Bobby Ferguson, a Deacon at Haran Baptist and a Marine, learned from his mother about his cousin's wife, Ashley Weeks, of Goodview who was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few short years ago.

A little more than a year ago, Weeks, only 27-years-old, was diagnosed with breast cancer and the doctors gave her anywhere between five and ten years to live. She's been unable to work and recently her husband was laid off from his job (only to get it back a few weeks ago).

The Weeks' family has two daughters, one 4-years-old and one 6-years old.

And according to Ferguson, Weeks' doctors recently told her that she only had a year to live.

Haran Baptist Church wanted to do something to help. They collected canned goods, gave them gift certificates, donated money, cards- just to let them know that they care about the family.

"She's a really good Christian and trusts in God and knows there can be a miracle," Ferguson said.

Most recently the church held a yard sale, on Saturday, Oct. 17 and donated the proceeds to the family.

"We had done one for the youth one time and that did really well so we just decided to do another one and raise some money. If anything to help them catch up on some bills or with the holidays coming up."

"The church has been talking about finding a family in the community and helping them out. There are families out there that need help and they don't know who to turn to. It's a chance to get the church involved with them and it gets the families involved in church and it can change your life."

Ferguson said that Haran Baptist Church has a goal to embrace a family every quarter and help them, whether it's doing some work around their house or raising money or food.

The church has helped many others in the past and are involved in the community. Just a few of the things they have done include cutting firewood for the elderly, creating fruit baskets for people are shut-in, they also participate in Women on Mission, Operation Christmas Child, raising money for missionaries, and donate to the homeless shelter.

"Our members are just wonderful. I cant say enough about what they've done. The things they've donated and their time- it's just great," he said.

Do you have news from your church in Southwest Roanoke County? If so, you can share at news@swo-co.com.