The Daily News

Breckenridge Fire Chief Paul "Whitey" Sorum has spent most of his life helping others, but now friends and family are coming to his aid. In January, Sorum was diagnosed with colon cancer. A benefit is being held at Wahpeton Eagles Club Thursday, July 31.

Friends of Sorum say he has held a remarkably positive outlook. As a result of his diagnosis, about a half dozen of his co-workers at Ro-Banks Tool & Manufacturing Co. went in for a colonoscopy. Sorum has been a CNC Operator there for about 25 years.

"I've never met a man who has an attitude like he does," said coworker Janna Fatland.

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"He knows he's going to get cured," said his sister, Nancy Sorum Froemke. "He said, 'We're going to go in and take care of it.'"

Since his diagnosis, Sorum has been traveling to Fargo for chemotherapy treatments and in May underwent surgery at United Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. While in the hospital, he told co-workers he would be on call if they needed him. Now he is recuperating at home and waiting for his blood count to rise for future treatments.

No history of colon cancer exists in Sorum's immediate family. The news was reportedly a shock to Sorum, who had been remarkably healthy throughout his life.

"He's maybe been to the doctor twice in his life," said his sister, Linda "Punky" Meyer.

Quick-witted and funny, Sorum has a reputation for keeping everyone entertained. While there are plenty of stories to be told about him, none of it is fit to print, coworkers and family say.

"He's just a fun guy," said Fatland.

Fatland, along with Sorum's sisters and brother, are among many who planned the benefit to help Sorum's family offset medical expenses. His Ro-Banks co-workers and the Breckenridge Fire Department have also have reached out to spread the word. Sorum was initially interested in the fire department after watching his step-father, Dick Thompson, get involved. Thompson was a former fire chief in Breckenridge.

Meyer said she has sent letters to 20 different area fire departments and sold several thousand raffle tickets for the event.

"The response has been phenomenal," she said.

Froemke said Sorum is very appreciative of the medical care and the support he's received from friends and family.

The benefit is being held from 5-8 p.m. Plenty of goodies are available for the raffle, including tickets to the Minnesota Twins, but Froemke said they still in need for prizes. Raffle tickets are also still available.

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