Photo from St. Baldrick’s website.

On November 15, 2018, the most courageous kid I have ever known, at the age of 15, passed on to be with the Lord. He was handsome, intelligent, 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 Wednesday, September 6th, from 5-8 p.m., there will be an event held at East Coast Wings + Grill in memory of this remarkable young man and many other children that have battled childhood cancers. The Kinston-Lenoir County Annual St. Baldrick’s Event is held 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.  

There will also be two additional fund-raising opportunities. On Saturday, August 26th, there will be a motorcycle ride hosted by the Coastal Plains Bikers for Christ. Registration will be from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. that day at Jackson Heights OFWB Church. Kick stands will go up at 11 a.m. for about an hour ride. We are requesting a minimum donation of $20 per bike. If you ride, you are invited to ride for children battling cancer. A meal will be provided at the church following the ride for all those that donate. 

Additionally, Sunday, September 3rd, will be St. Baldrick’s Giving Sunday at Jackson Heights OFWB Church. The offering on this Sunday will go to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. You are invited to join us for our 11 a.m. worship service and to give as you are able.  

You can learn more about St. Baldrick's, sign up to help us fundraise or to help with the event, or make a donation at the link below. 

https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/6461/2023

Justin Barnett, Lead Pastor

Jackson Heights OFWB Church