On November 15, the most courageous kid I have ever known, at the age of 15, passed on to be with the Lord. He was handsome, intelligent, a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He was a gifted musician. His faith was stronger than that of some of the greatest preachers I've known.

He was the best of us. His name was Colby Tucker.

Colby fought Ewing's sarcoma, a childhood cancer, for more than four years, enduring one surgery and 49 chemotherapy treatments. He never gave up; he was a fighter. In his memory, his church family at Jackson Heights OFWB Church, along with many others, have vowed to continue the fight against childhood cancer.

We are asking you to join us in this great battle.

On Monday, March 25, from 5-9 p.m., there will be an event held at East Coast Wings and Grill in memory of this remarkable young man. The Kinston-Lenoir County Annual St. Baldrick's Event is held every March to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. This wonderful foundation is a not-for-profit organization with the sole aim of raising funds to help find cures for children with cancer.

The name of the foundation is a word play on what takes place at the St. Baldrick's events as these are primarily head-shaving events. Participants sign up to be made “bald” by either chopping their ponytails or shaving their heads to show solidarity with children who typically lose their hair during their cancer treatments in efforts to raise money. I along with many others, feel that those who help children with cancer are truly saints.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the world. Through the foundation, funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world. It also funds innovative explorers who bring with them the hope of a future free from childhood cancers.  

Sadly, about every two minutes, a family is dramatically changed forever when they hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” Can you imagine being told your child has cancer? I have now preached the funerals of two children that have passed after battling childhood cancers. I cannot explain to you with words how difficult it was and is for these families. Words are not sufficient.

What I can tell you, is together we can make sure fewer families go through this horrendous experience. We can bring about a future where fewer kids have cancer, but it is going to take good people like you opening your pocketbooks and supporting this great cause.  

Leading up to the March 25 event at East Coast Wings and Grill, there will be two additional fund-raising opportunities. On Saturday, March 23, there will be a motorcycle run hosted by Unspoken Sons MC. Registration will be from 11 a.m.-noon that day at East Coast Wings. If you ride, you are invited to ride for children battling cancer.

Additionally, the day before the event on Sunday, March 24, it will be St. Baldrick's Giving Sunday at Jackson Heights OFWB Church. The offering that day will go to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. You are invited to join us and to give as you are able.  

You can learn more about St. Baldrick's or make a donation to TEAM COLBY at the link below.