Growing up in Philip, Erica Williams was an energetic star athlete who won a volleyball scholarship to Black Hills State University. Whether it was volleyball, basketball, track, baseball or softball, Williams was a tough competitor who went all out for her team.

At 30, Williams is now locked in the most critical contest of her life -defending her lungs from the ravages of cystic fibrosis.

She has a team of fans in Philip who are determined to help her with that battle.

On Friday, the community is sponsoring a pig roast and silent auction to help Williams with her medical and travel expenses.

The fun and food begins at 6:30 p.m. at Philip Fire Hall.

Auction items include six prints donated by the John Green Art Studio in Madison, a pair of collectible antique fire trucks, quilts, gift baskets, floral arrangements, a yard swing, a handcrafted toy box and a variety of gift certificates for diverse services including chiropractic treatments and horse training.

Michelle Butler of Philip, who is organizing the auction, is overwhelmed by the response she received to her requests - but not surprised.

"Erica William's parents, Roger and Val Williams, have very giving spirits," Butler said.

"Roger bends over backwards for everybody," she said.

Erica Williams has a rare form of cystic fibrosis. Her illness was diagnosed only seven years ago, according to her dad. His daughter always had a cough, but its cause was not discovered until her recent diagnosis, he said.

The doctors believe that Erica William's activity kept her cystic fibrosis in remission, her dad said.

Roger Williams said there are 300 forms of cystic fibrosis; only 90 have been identified.

Doctors are not sure what the future holds for his daughter, Roger Williams said. Her disease has only affected her lungs. Unlike many who suffer from cystic fibrosis, her digestive system is not compromised by the disease.

Her condition worsened after she graduated from college and took a job, perhaps because her activity levels were reduced, her dad said.

Erica Williams returned to Philip on July 11 after spending 10 days in the hospital at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Before that, she spent about a week in the hospital in Rapid City, Roger Williams said.

His daughter is slowly recovering from this most recent episode. Roger Williams said his daughter has "a lot of strength."

"She's still trying to be independent," he said. But, even with insurance, medical expenses are staggering. One of her medications costs $2,200 a month.

"She tries to take care of the medical bills, and we help with other things," Roger Williams said.

Erica Williams was reluctant to let the community help her, Butler and Roger Williams said.

"She says other people are worse off than me," her dad said. "That's her attitude."

Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com

If you go

What: Pig roast and silent auction for Erica Williams

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Philip Fire Hall

More: Among auction items are quilts, gift baskets, gift certificates for services and art