Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images (2) The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund recently had a chance to honor Dio’s longtime friend and bandmate, Tony Iommi , who himself has been battling lymphoma over the past year. Dio’s widow, Wendy, tells Loudwire that Iommi’s early detection has been key in his recovery, and it may have even been her husband’s death that led to the Black Sabbath guitarist getting checked out. Wendy tells us, “Well you know Tony was struggling with his own cancer, and hopefully … it’s in remission, which [would be] fantastic. And that’s early detection again, that was early. Maybe if Ronnie hadn’t passed away, [Iommi] wouldn’t have gotten checked early. We don’t know, but that was early detection, and [the ceremony] was great because he’s been through so much this year and to honor him, that was great. And for Geezer [Butler] to give him the award was very, very special. All of honorees are special.” Wendy stressed the importance of cancer education, especially for men who tend not to visit the doctor as frequently. She added, “We mainly deal with men’s cancers and we find that men don’t get checked. Women are very good. Men have to be drug there, but we’re trying to make awareness that early detection saves lives and for your loved ones to save their lives by getting checked.” The Halloween ‘Spooktacular’ event featured awards named after Dio songs, with Iommi taking home the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ award. In addition, the evening provided plenty of music, with a large portion provided by the Dio Disciples lineup of Tim “Ripper” Owens and Oni Logan, guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Bjorn Englen, keyboardist Scott Warren, and drummer Simon Wright, with members of Buckcherry , Anthrax , Whitesnake, and White Lion sitting in as well. With the annual awards event behind them, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout cancer fund is currently focused on a massive guitar auction with items donated by Metallica , Iron Maiden , the Foo Fighters , Bon Jovi , Eddie Van Halen , and many more. The event takes place Dec. 1 through Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, Calif. For more info, check here . Stay tuned for a full interview with Wendy Dio and Geezer Butler’s wife, Gloria, about the guitar auction. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/ronnie-james-dio-the-pick-of-destiny-cameo/” title=”Next: Ronnie James Dio – Musician Movie Cameos” align=”center”]