Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is the Quiggle family: Aaron and Melanie and their four children.

The Hessel Valley Lutheran Church will host a spaghetti dinner benefit Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) in support of Aaron Quiggle and his family as they navigate the ongoing challenges of a cancer diagnosis. This drive-through, pick-up-only event will take place at the bottom of the church driveway, and meals will be available by donation. All proceeds will go directly to the Quiggles.

At 35 years old, Aaron Quiggle is a devoted husband to Melanie Quiggle and father to four young children, ages 9, 7, 3, and infant Maverick, who was born just weeks after Aaron’s surgery. Aaron, a dedicated employee of United Refining Company, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in July 2024, prompting a whirlwind of medical interventions, surgeries, and ongoing chemotherapy.

“He was still recovering from major surgery when Maverick was born,” said Melanie. “Even with all that was happening, Maverick brought so much light to our lives. He was our reminder of joy in the middle of chaos.”

Following surgery to remove part of his large intestine in August 2024, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes and cancer cells were found circulating in his bloodstream. The development required a rigorous treatment plan, including chemotherapy that began in November and continues every other week.

Despite his determination to return to his job at United Refining, Aaron’s condition made it impossible.

“Aaron loved his job and wanted more than anything to return to work,” Melanie explained. “But the treatment has been hard on his body. As much as he tried, his health has to come first right now.”

Melanie, a nurse by profession, has taken on per diem work to balance caregiving, work, and parenting. The strain of maintaining stability for their children — all while traveling for medical appointments and managing Aaron’s care — has been profound.

“Some days feel impossible,” she said. “But then you get a message, a meal, or a kind word from someone in the community, and it gives you the strength to keep going.”

The couple remains committed to keeping life as normal as possible for their kids, who are actively involved in extracurricular activities. But the toll of frequent travel, missed work, and growing medical expenses is immense.

“This has been one of the hardest years of our lives,” Melanie shared. “But the love and support we’ve felt from this community has made all the difference. It reminds us that we’re not alone.”

In response, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and community members have rallied around the family, adopting the hashtag #AaronSTRONG as a symbol of their shared support. The spaghetti dinner is one of many grassroots efforts to assist the Quiggles.

“Faith, family, and this amazing community — that’s what’s getting us through,” said Melanie. “We are so incredibly grateful.”

For those unable to attend but wishing to contribute, donations can be mailed to Hessel Valley Lutheran Church, 166 Hessel Valley Road, P.O. Box 43, Chandlers Valley, PA 16312. Make checks payable to HVLC and write “Aaron” in the memo line.