A benefit for cancer-stricken Phoenix High student Adam Bradfield will be held Thursday night during the Phoenix junior varsity's home-opening football game at 5 p.m. against Ashland.

Bradfield, 16, had a cancerous tumor removed from his lungs nearly two weeks ago. He and his family will travel to Portland next Tuesday to meet with doctors and determine the next course of treatment.

The Phoenix High junior has battled cancer since 2000.

All proceeds from food sales at the game will go toward helping the Bradfields offset costs from their trip north.

"I was surprised Phoenix High was even going to get involved," said Bradfield's aunt, Becky Raffensperger. "I think it's great for the school to offer to do this."

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Hot dogs, hamburgers and other food items were donated for the event. The Phoenix High Future Farmers of America has offered to serve the food.

"Everybody has been just unbelievable," said Raffensperger. "The whole city of Phoenix has been great.

"I know a lot of kids get sick, but the way the community has supported him has been incredible. We're lucky to be a part of this community."

This is the third time Bradfield, a subject of a Mail Tribune feature story on July 23, 2005, has been hit by cancer.

Bradfield was a former Little League teammate of members of the Phoenix-Talent Babe Ruth team that made the journey to the 2005 World Series.

During the Phoenix-Talent run, Bradfield underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous femur in his upper left leg. A cadaver femur was put in place of the cancerous bone and a metal rod was inserted for stability. He also had a total hip replacement.

Bradfield was diagnosed with leukemia on Thanksgiving Day of 2000. The diagnosis came just months after his Little League team won the 10-11-year-old state championship.

The tumor in his lungs, which was the same type of bone cancer he battled last year, was discovered in July during a routine checkup.

Bradfield, who will turn 17 on Sept. 16, still plans on attending classes as soon as possible, his aunt said.

"He is such a strong kid," said Raffensperger. "He had to cut back on baseball, but he's learning to play golf.

"He's going to do what he wants to do and not let cancer slow him down."

Reach reporter Kevin Goffat 776-4483, or e-mail kgoff@mailtribune.com