A car show is planned for June 17 at Lenoir Community College to benefit 2-year-old Colby Clayton of La Grange who has been diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive Retinoblastoma, cancer of the eye. The benefit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with prizes awarded at 2:30 p.m.

Registration before May 31 is $20. Registration May 31 and after is $25. All proceeds will benefit medical expenses for Colby. Food trucks, Jessi’s Cones & Shakes and Whiskey Pig, will be on site as well as musical groups, Straightwire and Gaylon Pope & Sweetwater. For registration information, go to https://www.colbyscarshow.com/

Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show, Colby’s Choice, Best of Show, from Judges, and People’s Choice. According to organizers, more than 50 trophies with various categories such as Best Ford, Chevy, Truck, and motorcycles with breakdowns on each for old and new will be awarded. The number of pre-registrations will determine the categories.

Colby is the son of Spencer and Kristen Clayton of La Grange and his mom says he is a typical little boy. He loves dinosaurs and playing with his toy trucks. He has an older brother, Landon, 10, and a sister, Brookelyn, 6.

Colby’s story began In January 2023 when his mom noticed a strange glare in his eye. After sending a picture to a doctor friend, Colby was rushed to his pediatrician. After several hours, he and his family received the news that no parent ever hopes to hear. Colby was diagnosed cancer of the eye.

His mom says that Colby has a tremendous support system of family and friends. He has a huge team of doctors and specialists at Duke Hospital and is currently undergoing systemic chemotherapy for the cancer that has reached Stage 4.

Frequent updates on Colby’s progress are posted on his mom’s Facebook page and friends and family have started using the hastag #ColbyStrong in support of Colby and his story. “We are so appreciative of everyone’s support during this difficult time, Kristen said. “Colby is a strong little boy with a big smile and a whole army behind him.”