A family owned company is doing what they can to help an employee who is fighting esophageal cancer.

Jesse Porter started in the engineering department at Arctic Compressor early last year. The company, which is based in Superior, manufacturers air compressors that fire departments use to fill their air tanks.

Porter helped them launch their new ALL POWER Mobile Air Trailer last year.

Then, a few months after that major milestone, he found out about a major medical problem: esophageal cancer.

“He’s probably one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The team rallied around him, donating PTO, and now organizing a benefit,” shared Steve Talaga, Director of Operations.

He told us Porter pops in here and there, when he’s feeling up to it.

“But I’m really happy to say and share that he’s completed his last chemo treatment as of a couple of weeks ago. So now it’s basically building his strength back up for his procedure down at Mayo Clinic, coming up in mid-March,” Talaga added.

The benefit is Saturday and is called Jesse’s Journey: A Benefit of Hope. Enjoy tacos/nachos, a 50/50 raffle, and silent auction. It’s at the All American Club in Lincoln Park.

Here are some of the silent auction items:

-Half day fishing charter
-Free professional photo shoot
-1 year Planet Fitness black card membership

Plus, you can dine out at Texas Roadhouse on Monday the 17th to help support him. And the Spice and Tea Exchange and TNT-xChange are donating proceeds as well.

For more about how you can support Jesse: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149822756708758/