A Fort Myers resident who works in Cape Coral is currently going through a rare illness – a type of cancer that is so rare, top doctors in the state are even having trouble diagnosing it. Her name is Aida “Mille” Hoffman.

“They are having a very hard time diagnosing the tumor because it is so rare,” said friend and boss Kim Carlson, vice president of All “U” Need Pest Control, Inc. “They believe it is ameloblastomas tumor.”

Hoffman was seen by doctors this week. “She went to the University of Miami, and they did a biopsy and there is no bone underneath her two bottom teeth, and so basically what is holding in her two teeth is her gums. “

Carlson has started to campaign to help her friend Hoffman.

“Millie is a single mother working two jobs …. She works for me full time, and Publix part time,” she said.

A fund raiser has been planned for Wednesday, June 27, for Hoffman, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Myers, as part of the Wellness Expo.

But Carlson and friends have started fund raising now, and are looking for donations, both in funds and for silent auction item donations.

“Millie has no health insurance, and we believe she is going to have to have three surgeries. We are trying to raise money to support at least her rent and car payment, and utilities.”

Those who wish to make a contribution can do so by sending donations to Synovus Bank in Fort Myers, at 16451 Health Park Commons where a bank account set up for her; make checks out to Aida Hoffmann.

Or make a check to Womans Life, and send it to P.O. Box 151016 Cape Coral Florida, 33915, c/o Aida Hoffman.

“We’re also selling tickets now for a gas card valued at $250 for $10; we’ll need your name, address and telephone number. You can mail a check and make it out to Womans Life, and write on it, ‘gas card $10.'”

Concerning auction items, Carlson said, “We’ll accept any donations in regards to whatever you will give us, items to auction off at the event, We need to receive them by June 15.”

Of the event, she said. “No tickets, you just need to show up. There is no cost to attend, make a donation if you would like.”

Hoffman commented on the efforts being made on her behalf by Carlson.

“For her to take her time and effort and energy to do this kind of thing, it’s just incredible. This will mean a lot for the rest of my life.”

She also spoke about her illness.

“I feel very apprehensive about the whole thing. I’ve never really been sick, I’m very healthy. This sort of came as a big surprise and not in a good way.”

She has one child, a 17-year old daughter.

Carlson doesn’t like taking the credit, but Hoffman said she should, and that she is a great boss.

“She’s been in business for 10 years and in pest control industry for 17 years.”

For more information call 424-8742, email to kim@alluneedpest.com or stop by their business. All “U” Need Pest Control, Inc. is at 911 S.E. 9th Terrace.