HAUSER - Even through chemotherapy during his battle with nerve cancer, Brodie Mahakam smiled.

"Throughout this whole process from the beginning he's been an upbeat, happy baby," said Kylie Mahakam, mother of the 1-year-old Post Falls boy.

Proceeds from Sunday's 28th annual "Shalena's Breakfast with Santa" fundraiser at the Hauser Lake Fire Station, 10728 N. Hauser Lake Road, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. will go toward Brodie's cancer-related expenses.

"I think it's awesome that they want to help families with kids with cancer, and I'm grateful that our family got chosen," Mahakam said.

Mahakam said she only heard about the popular fundraiser when a friend nominated Brodie to be this year's recipient to benefit from the popular event.

Hauser Lake Fire Capt. Gary Mobbs contacted Mahakam after Brodie was chosen. The breakfast is named after Mobbs' daughter, Shalena, who lost her battle with cancer.

"It was emotional for me to talk to him, but it's nice knowing others who understand what you're going through," Mahakam said.

Mahakam said she plans to attend the fundraiser with Brodie.

"He finished chemotherapy in September and, as of now, it looks like it worked," Mahakam said, adding that she expects to know more on Jan. 3.

"Brodie is getting very sassy, but he's doing good."

Mahakam said Brodie, who is her only child, has insurance, but there are many cancer-related expenses that aren't covered.

The fundraiser's breakfast includes sausage, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. The suggested donation for the meal is $3 each or $10 per family. Other donations for the event can be sent to: Hauser Lake Fire, 10728 N. Hauser Lake Road, Hauser, 83854.

Fundraiser attendees can have photos taken with Santa. There will also be raffles. Tickets are $1.