PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- Every Sunday during football season Texans fans gather all over southeast Texas. Generally it's to root on the hometown team, enjoy friends, and eat good food. But this weekend, one watch party in Pearland was about a lot more than that.
Billy's Hall, a local hangout, was packed with fans this Sunday. But as much as those enjoying the food and the fun were supporting the Texans, they were really there to root for one of their own, Darlene Woods.
"There are really no words to even explain the gratification that I feel right now," says Woods, who spent twenty years working at Pearland High School. "And I just think that it's awesome that they did this for me."
Woods is fighting stage four colon cancer. It has metastasized and spread into her lung and her liver. She's been fighting the disease for two years. And this weekend, she's getting help from teammates who think of her as family.
"That's we do in Pearland. We take care of other people. Glad to be here," says Ronnie Boegler, a Pearland resident attending the fundraiser."
"Any time you need anything in the community of Pearland," adds Pam Boegler, "People come out in droves to help. It's a great community."
The fundraiser was organized by Pearland Realtor Ozzie Ramirez. This is the fifth year he's hosted such an event, inspired by his mother, who died from cancer when he was a student at Pearland High School.
"I try to help as many people as I possibly can," Ramirez says. "So overall that's really where I get my inspiration. This event isn't just me. There's dozens and dozens of volunteers."
Billy Griffin owns Billy's Hall and is also Wood's cousin. The level of support for her does not surprise him. "You can see the great support that she's had. This community is very good on helping people that's in need"
"In this old world," Woods says with a smile, "You have to have money, but I'll take friends and support any day over money."
Still money is the key. Last year he fundraiser brought in $13,000. This year the goal was between $15,000 and $20,000 -- all of it to help Darlene Woods keep fighting cancer.