"Sweeping Away Cancer" was the theme of a benefit in Geneva Sunday night. Hundreds came to remember a man who gave so much to his community. YNN's Kate McGowan explains.

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"When he told me about his second tumor and surgery, he asked me if I wanted to do a benefit or something," Austin said.

Many crowded the Geneva Recreation Complex Sunday evening, all to take a stand against cancer.

"Just over and beyond what I expected, he's touched so many lives. It's just been wonderful," said a family member.

Nine years ago, Austin's father, Matt Foe was diagnosed with brain cancer. The news had a lasting impact, costing him thousands in medical bills, and affecting his relationships with others.

But Matt remained strong, and didn't lose his spirit.

"He was fighting it to the end."

Just last week, he lost his battle to brain cancer at the age of 40, leaving behind three children and a wife.

Family members said his life was cut too short, but they were confident his legacy would live on.

"I'll always remember him for everything he was," said his sister.

Matt dedicated his life to his community, serving more than 20 years as a volunteer firefighter in Geneva.

Fire chief, Tim Higgins said, "Kind of quiet around the fire department now. He's not there to make us laugh anymore. Not on the scene anymore, ya know, with the seriousness on scene."

After Matt was diagnosed with cancer, and grew more ill, he wasn't able to physically assist his fellow firefighters on the job. So he put his mind and heart into helping in another way.

"He really fought for it, and fought for it," said Austin.

Matt took action, pushing a bill for better health coverage for volunteer firefighters. Currently, the law does not give the same financial support to volunteers that paid firefighters get.

"We experience the same problems paid firefighters have," said Chief Higgins.

His efforts gained attention, and steam. His sister, Pam said with his passing. she will continue to fight.

"I'm collecting signatures today, and I've been collecting signatures for the last couple weeks. We have until the end of the month to get those in. It will just help in the Assembly to show the support of the community that we need to pass this law," she said.

She hopes this is what her brother will be remembered for. And it's a legacy, Austin, is proud of.

"Makes me really happy," Austin said.