Kevin and Karon Santucci have spent years helping others, now they need some help themselves.

Their 28-year-old daughter Kevina is battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which has manifested as a tumour behind her eye.

Her health insurance is covering the necessary surgery in Boston, but the family must pay for everything after it caps out in March for a period of time.

They’re hoping residents turn out for a gospel concert on Valentine’s Day, where an offering will be collected to help with medical expenses.

“Even now, our philosophy is our cup is never so empty that we can’t give to someone else,” said Mr Santucci. The Pastor of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southampton is well known for his work in the community, particularly the prisons.

“It was devastating to us when she was diagnosed, because we had only just buried my wife’s brother who also died from cancer. In 40 days we experienced ten deaths of family members. Then here comes this big bombshell that Kevina was unwell. We put our faith in God and continue pressing on.”

Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer that most commonly affects boys. Only a handful of adults have been known to develop it.

Kevina first complained of health problems last year. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital employee was twice sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for specialists to look at her nose and ears.

“They did a complete body scan several months ago and did not see the tumour that was behind her left eye,” he said. “It very aggressive and grew from nothing to two inches long and two inches wide in the span of three months.”

Surgeons removed most of the tumour in October. Sudden, severe bleeding prevented them from removing it all. Kevina is now undergoing proton radiation treatment. It targets the problem area without impacting the rest of the body.

“We are lucky that her physician in Bermuda sent us to Massachusetts General because there are only seven hospitals in the United States that do this type of radiation and Massachusetts General happens to be one of them,” said Mr Santucci.

Mrs Santucci is living in Boston while her daughter undergoes treatment. She’s caring for Kevina’s three-year-old daughter, Karis.

Kevina has had her ups and downs but is generally in good spirits, Mr Santucci said.

“We are lucky because the hospital allows Karis to go and see her mother every day. They understand the importance of it.

“Besides the Lord, Karis is Karon’s strength.”

He said it felt very strange to be on the receiving end considering the years he and his wife have spent helping others.

“My daughter does have insurance, but it will run out at some point,” he said. “It also does not cover all of her expenses, only a portion.

“Ten years ago, Kevina would have died from this type of cancer. Today, doctors think she has a 50/50 chance of survival. Because of our faith, I am looking at it as being better than 50/50. That is what gives me the power and strength to go on. We are thankful to people in our community and our church.”

He said many people have come forward to help them.

“Some people have given us $2 saying that was all they had,” he said. “That was very touching.”

A special medical fund has been set up for Kevina at Butterfield Bank. The account number is 0601562020013.

A group called The Willing Workers of Bermuda has organised Saturday’s concert. The Brothers, The Sisters, Daughters of Praise, Aaron Spencer, Calvin Symonds and many others will perform at 7pm in the Bermuda Institute auditorium.