The Rick Hagel Benefit Auction, which was organized by friends and family of a local farmer who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer closed on Sunday. 
 
The auction amassed $320,000 and has left the Hagel family speechless with gratitude at the outpouring of support.
 
"I think that small, tight-knit communities like Beiseker; everyone's there to help in a time of need," said Tanya Hagel, Rick's sister. "With something like this, that reminded me over and over again, whether it's the crews coming to help with chores, or meals being dropped off. With this auction, it exploded in a way that none of us could have ever expected."
 
The online auction that was posted on social media originally had over 350 items up for bidding. Hagel said that even those who were not the highest bidders were not deterred and continued sending messages of support. Now the family is awaiting word from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as to the next steps that Rick will be taking.
 
 "Last month or so, he had been experiencing really bad back pain and a couple of weeks ago he ended up going into the hospital via ambulance because the back pain was just too much," she said. "After doing a CT scan, they [doctors] noticed some spots in his spine." 
 
 Rick Hagel,40, was diagnosed with angiosarcoma last June and has undergone various cancer treatments including radiation, chemotherapy, and a partial amputation of his foot. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that Hagel's condition worsened and he was told by doctors that the cancer had spread.
 
"I think that if anyone can fight this, it's Rick," Hagel said. "We always joke that Hagels are stubborn, we have this stubborn streak in us. Watching Rick have so much grace and determination has definitely helped me be positive along with  so much love and support outpouring from the community."