Michael Schiavo, who was embroiled for years in a right-to-die legal battle over his wife's vegetative state, will help host a fundraiser Thursday on behalf of Democratic congressional candidate Peggy Lamm.

The fundraiser for Lamm will be held at the Denver home of Paula Herzmark and Dick VandenBergh.

Schiavo's wife, Terri, died March 31, 2005, from dehydration after her feeding tube was disconnected at the urging of her husband, who maintained that he was honoring his wife's request that she not be kept alive artificially.

Her death capped seven years of legal battles pitting Schiavo against his wife's parents.

"Peggy has been at the forefront of the death with dignity issue since she served in the Colorado House, and Michael Schiavo experienced the nightmare of having the government intrude into what should be an end-of-life decision," Jim Merlino, Lamm's campaign manager, said. "It was because of that, Peggy invited Michael to come share that experience with the folks of Colorado."

Lamm is battling Ed Perlmutter, a former Colorado state senator, and Herb Rubenstein, a businessman, for the Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District seat that is being vacated by Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez, who is running for governor.

Rick O'Donnell is expected to be the Republican candidate on the November ballot.

"I know that Coloradans care deeply about protecting their liberties and living their lives free from a powerful and intrusive government," Schiavo wrote in his letter for this week's fundraiser.

"As a leading candidate in Colorado's 7th Congressional District, Peggy Lamm invited me to come to Colorado to talk about these issues and remind voters that one vote in Congress can make a real difference in people's lives."