Benefit on Sunday for Ace Hardware employee in Albion who has stomach cancer

Photo by Tom Rivers: Pete Pilon, manager of the Albion Ace Hardware, and Hanna Vagg, assistant store manager, are shown with some of the baskets up for raffle on Sunday in a fundraiser for Kyle Gill, an assistant store manager at Ace. Vagg is holding a hockey stick signed by members of the Buffalo Sabres.

ALBION – At Ace Hardware in Albion, Kyle Gill is beloved by his co-workers and the customers for his friendliness and knowledge.

Provided photo: Kyle Gill is shown with his 2-year-old daughter, Rylee.

Gill, 35, is the assistant store manager. He has worked at Ace for about 15 years.

“He is a big Teddy Bear,” said Pete Pilon, the store manager. “He would do anything for you. He will always go the extra mile.”

Gill has been diagnosed with stage 2 stomach cancer. He has been undergoing chemo treatments and will have surgery later this month to remove about two-thirds of his stomach. He has lost about 100 pounds, but is optimistic about the future, Pilon said.

There will be a benefit from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 South Platt St. There will be door prizes, basket raffles, cornhole, darts and other games to help raise money for Gill’s medical expenses. A $20 ticket includes pizza, salad, dessert and a door prize entry.

Ace owners Jerry Ulrich and Molly Jones have purchased “Screw cancer” and “Stomach Cancer Awareness” T-shirts and bracelets and are selling them in support of Gill.

Hanna Vagg, assistant store manager, said the store and customers have rallied to help Gill, with about $3,500 in donations so far, not counting the gift baskets and other items at the benefit on Sunday.

“Kyle is a gentle giant who is always super helpful,” she said.