Veteran Cody Barham with his late wife, Amber.
Although Cody Barham, 30, served his time in the army as a sergeant, he’s a full-time soldier in spirit.
The disabled veteran of 1st Squadron, 2nd Calvary War Eagles is raising his two children — a boy and a girl, Colt, 7 and Rebel, 3 — on his own.
His wife, Amber, died at age 29 in September after battling skin cancer for almost three years.
Barham and Amber moved from Northern California to Fallon about four years ago to live closer to family and married in January 2016.
“It’s been devastating,” said Kasondra Ham, Barham’s cousin. “He’s disabled and adjusting with two young kids to be a single parent. They still need to process everything that has happened this year.”
Although he’s receiving disability care through Veterans Affairs, it’s a small, monthly allotment for the family’s health and lifestyle, such as gas, child care, and other unforeseen expenses.
To further provide Burham and his family support, the Northern Nevada Chapter of Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals is inviting the Fallon community to a fundraiser spaghetti feed this weekend.
“I think the biggest need is for them to have the financial ease to help them take time to mourn the loss,” Ham said.
The event, “Pasta With a Purpose,” will feature Reno band Faite Awaits and a $1 raffle. Attendees are encouraged to donate at the event as well as registration, which is $5 for a plate of pasta.
Winners of the raffle could win a range of prizes, from artwork to gift cards, spa baskets, and baked goods.
All proceeds will go toward the Barham family.
Pasta With A Purpose starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fallon Fraternal Hall and Community Center, 39 South Maine Street.
To purchase tickets, visit varep.net/pasta.