Christmas is only one week away, and while many families are busy doing last-minute shopping, the Payne family of Tooele are preparing to spend what may be their last Christmas with their father and husband.

The Paynes were selected as this year's Tooele Transcript-Bulletin Benefit Fund family. The father of the family, Wes, was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago and has been battling the disease ever since.

Wanda, the mother of the family, said Wes has anywhere from just a few hours to a few weeks left.

"When the bowel shuts down, it'll be hours," said Wanda. "He's trying to get all the last-minute things put together."

During the eight years Wes has been sick, the family lost their home and possessions and lived in a motor home because of overwhelming medical bills. Wanda, her son Derek -- a senior at Tooele High School -- and daughter Audrey, who has a 4-year-old son, now all live in an Oquirrh Avenue home with Wes, who is on hospice home care.

Another son, 23-year-old Justin, works construction in New Mexico and helps pay his family's bills.

Wanda works as much as she can as a cashier at Wal-Mart, but the costs of caring for her ailing husband continue to mount.

Despite all of the hardships, the family remains optimistic and is hoping for the best.

The rest of the family's Christmas wish list is short. Derek would like a size 13 pair of basketball shoes, a pair of pants, size 44x32, and a fly fishing pole. Audrey's son Weston likes cars and would like some Xbox 360 games like Guitar Hero. He also likes fishing, skateboarding and golf, and likes games associated with those sports.

Derek suggests a Wii game system would be fun for him, Weston and Justin.

Wanda said it would be great if her sons, grandson and Wes were able to get Jazz basketball tickets.

Scrubs -- size XL for the tops and large for the bottoms -- are also needed in helping care for Wes.

Justin also has a 3-year-old son, Chisum, who lives with his mom, but the Paynes have visitation rights. The little boy likes horses and wears 2T in clothing.

To help the Payne family, please drop off donated items or send money by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, to the Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, 58 N. Main St., Tooele, Utah 84074, with items clearly marked "Christmas Benefit Fund."

Sarah Miley: swest@tooeletranscript.com