Love.

Hundreds of people rallied behind the financially stressed Hyde family of Madeira during a Sunday afternoon fund-raiser called Hope 4 Hydes.

Mother Hollie Hyde stays at home to care for her four children, Cass, 3, McKeel, 6, Annika, 8, and Dosh, 11.

In 2001, Cass was born with a rare genetic disorder, which affects him with hypotonic cerebral palsy that impairs his motor skill development.

Hollie Hyde gets a hug at the event. (Enquirer photo/MICHAEL E. KEATING)

He eats through a feeding tube, uses a respirator at night and requires round-the-clock care.

"He's doing great and making strides," Hollie said.

"But unfortunately, some of his therapy has taken a backseat to his father."

Dad Everett Hyde, a research chemist at Procter & Gamble Co., has been a lifelong nonsmoker and athlete. Still in July 2003, he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and given one year to live.

After receiving standard chemotherapy treatments, doctors told the elder Hyde they could do nothing more for him.

That's when he began to explore alternative therapies.

Everett now travels to North Carolina for one week each month for treatments from an osteopathic doctor, which is neither covered by insurance nor approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Three times each week, he receives more experimental intravenous treatments from a local doctor. He also takes about 40 vitamins and supplements each day.

"He's stable now," Hollie said, while Everett played golf Sunday. "The cancer isn't progressing, but it's not in remission."

The fund-raiser was planned quickly in mid-August by about a dozen friends and neighbors. Food, beverages, prizes and many activities were donated by people and businesses in Greater Cincinnati.

"Most of their expenses are out-of-pocket and they are in dire need of help," said next-door neighbor Debbie Graeter.

"All the dinners and baby-sitting in the world can't help with that."

"It was time to stretch out of Madeira and get the whole area involved," said family friend Angie Rizzuto.

Through a $15 registration at the event, pledges, a silent auction and a raffle, the Hope 4 Hydes committee hoped to raise about $20,000 through.

"What is incredible is the way this community comes together," said friend Jeanne Gulick.

"People who don't even know the family are here, just because they want to help a neighbor."

How to help

To make a donation for the Hyde family of Madeira or to get involved with the Hope 4 Hydes committee, visit www.hope4hydes.com.

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com