BANGOR – For cancer patients and their families, confronting the disease is an often terrifying, exhausting and lonely experience, compounded by feelings of helplessness. Local businesses and organizers are providing an opportunity to fight back via Bid Against Cancer, a charity event set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Those attending will have the opportunity to support a worthy cause by bidding on items donated by area businesses while enjoying the evening in a cocktail party atmosphere.

“Every dollar raised will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said organizer Angela Conrad. “We expect the bidding to be spirited, and everyone will have a good time contributing to a worthy cause.”

Businesses such as the Maine Center for the Arts and Ski Rack Sports already have donated items for the silent auction. Other businesses contributing to the auction include Thistle’s Restaurant, Back Door Dance Studio, Aubuchon Hardware and Bella Luna.

The list of auction items to date includes greens fees to area golf courses, home improvement products and a five-night stay in downtown Charleston, S.C.

Conrad said she has been overwhelmed by the response from businesses and families determined to do what they can to fight the disease, but stressed that there is still an opportunity for making contributions.

Conrad noted that interested businesses still have time to contribute anything biddable such as clothing, furniture, a dinner for two, a home-cleaning service and fuel oil.

Every year, more than 135,000 Americans are diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or some other form of blood cancer with many of those diagnosed being children.

The mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Conrad was 13 when she lost her mother to cancer.

“It was a sad and trying experience that motivated me to help other families going through a similar struggle,” she said.

Bid Against Cancer is open to the public, but space is limited. The auction is a chance, Conrad said, “to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to promote research, provide support to families in need and perhaps save someone else’s mother or loved one.”

For more information, call Conrad at 991-8702, e-mail anagelaconcrad@hotmail.com or visit bidagainstcancer.com