Chris Coen, a longtime member of the Roswell community, was diagnosed in January with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Syndrome Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Because Coen has been unable to work and is uninsured, his friends and family have rallied around him and formed the Chris Coen Cancer Fund.

This Saturday, a barbecue and concert will be held in Riverside Park to raise money for Coen, his wife and their two young children.

“The support I’ve gotten from the Roswell community has really been overwhelming,” he said.

“Growing up in Roswell, there were about 8,000 people living here, and we all knew each other. Some folks I haven’t seen in 20 or 30 years have come out of the woodwork to support me, which has been really gratifying.”

Coen, who has coached little league in the city as well as sports at high schools in the area, comes from a family of park and recreation enthusiasts

The Roswell High School baseball field is named in honor of Coen’s father, John Coen Sr., who coached the Roswell Connie Mack baseball team for more than 20 years and was a founding member of the Roswell Recreation Commission.

“Chris and the Coen family have given so much to the Roswell Community for more than four decades,” said Mike Burroughs, one of the organizers of the barbecue and Coen’s close friend.

“Chris gives a lot of himself and never asks for anything in return. He’s an extraordinary person.”

Coen, who recently completed his chemotherapy, has been declared in remission and has a target date for returning to work, so the barbecue will also be a celebration.

The event will feature music from J and J’s All-Stars and Midlife Crisis with Danny O’Dea.

Barbecue from Heat Hog BBQ will be sold on-site.

“The greatest testament to Chris is the fact that every single item for this event is being donated,” Burroughs said of the Roswell High graduate.

The event will also feature children’s activities, hourly raffles and a silent auction with artwork, gift certificates and sports memorabilia.

Some items have been donated by Coen’s former players who have gone on to play professional football.

The barbecue takes place at 575 Riverside Road in Roswell from 4 to 11 p.m.