MEXICO – The Derouche family, the nine siblings and their families, gets together all the time – for holidays, cookouts, camping and just for the heck of it.

So when their brother developed a seriously debilitating disease, there was no question they would help him all they could.

For nearly three months, siblings, cousins and aunts have been meeting at one of their homes to work on a fund-raising event they hope will help ease the financial burden and make life a little easier for Joseph Derouche.

At age 42, the Mexico town manager and economic and community activist was diagnosed with a fast-moving case of multiple sclerosis.

“He’s going to have a lot of needs quickly, and we want to help him all we can,” said Kathy Thompson, one of Joe’s five sisters.

A major fund-raiser happens Friday, May 30, at the Eagles Hall. A spaghetti supper featuring sauce from Gov. John Baldacci’s family restaurant, and perhaps even the governor himself, takes place at 4:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, also plans to attend, along with several local legislators.

All the ingredients for the supper have been donated, said Janet Brennick, Joe’s youngest sister.

“We can’t help him medically, but maybe we can financially,” said Brennick.

And besides the supper, there will be raffles for a variety of merchandise donated by area businesses as well as some from other parts of the state.

Although the family has spearheaded and organized the supper, dozens of friends, business and other community members have stepped forward to help however they can.

People have donated money, others are giving of their time.

“We appreciate and are overwhelmed with all the support,” Thompson said.

“Joe has done so much for the town, for the entire area,” said Cynthia Burke, another of Joe’s sisters. “And, he is our brother.”

Burke knows all too well the consequences of multiple sclerosis. She’s a nurse. “I’m real aware of the cost of supplies and what will happen with medical care,” she said.

“With the money he makes, he lives week-to-week. He has three teenage sons at home and one in college,” added Brennick.

Joe Derouche and his wife, Cathy, also have a new business to run.

With Joe now in a wheelchair, the family’s home is in need of many alterations so he can get around. So whatever money is raised will have many places to go, said the family.

Georgette Beauchesne, the sibling’s aunt, also has been busy making a quilt that will be raffled off in July. Chances on the patchwork quilt are available at several Mexico businesses and is on display in the Bangor Saving’s Bank window in downtown Rumford.

“Lots of people have called with offers to sell tickets and with offers of food. He’s such a wonderful guy and this is such a very, very close family. I’m honored to be an aunt to them,” she said. “We need to give him all the help and support we can.”

Working together has come naturally, Thompson said. “Our parents were stay-at-home parents and we were always there, doing things with them. All our children are not just cousins, but friends, too.”

Older brother John Derouche Jr. understands first-hand the difficulties and expenses incurred when someone has a debilitating disease. He has a handicapped son at home who requires constant care and medical attention.

“I understand the system. We would do this for anyone of us,” he said.

Brother Tim Derouche said the family wants him to live the best life that he can.

All nine siblings live in Maine, with all but two in the River Valley area. Those two aren’t that far away, either. One lives in Skowhegan, the other in Brunswick.

Brennick, the major organizer behind the family’s efforts, said other fund-raisers are being scheduled. In July, a kayak package donated by MeadWestvaco will be raffled off, and perhaps in the fall, a dance will be held.

For right now, all efforts are for a successful supper to help out the youngest boy in the family.

After all, said Burke, “That’s what family is.”

eadams@sunjournal.com