"Buffy is a wonderful woman -- she means the world to me," John, 59, tells GLOBE.

"She's often in a great deal of pain, but she has the strength and character to keep fighting and get better."

Stewart, who sang Where Have All the Flowers Gone with band-mates Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane, says he's got lawyers fighting the insurance company.

But realistically, he doesn't expect to win.

"There's nothing we can do about it except pray," says Stewart, who also wrote Daydream Believer for The Monkees.

But his friends and fans are determined to make a miracle of their own.

They've rallied behind John, Buffy and their 18-year old son Luke, pledging $17,000 toward their mounting medical bills. Incredibly, when john sold his trademark banjo at auction, fans bought it for $24,000 -- then gave the instrument back to him as a gift.

But John still needs to raise a staggering $30,000 for ongoing treatment to save his wife of 25 years.

Her tumor, which is benign, was first discovered two years ago after 40-ish Buffy complained of searing headaches.

Doctors were unable to remove the growth in two operations, but feel they can get the rest of it with a third operation.

He hopes to make money from his latest solo album, Rocket Roy in the Real World, when it's released this fall. But friends and fans also are arranging benefit concerts and fund raising events.

"The support of our fans has been absolutely amazing," he says. "With them on our side, we can't go wrong."

-- DAVE THOMPSON