On November 15, 2018, the bravest child I have ever known was handed over to the Lord at the age of 15. He was handsome, intelligent, had a great sense of humor and was quick on the uptake. He was a gifted musician. His faith was stronger than some of the greatest preachers I know. He was the best of us. His name was Colby Tucker.
Colby battled Ewing’s sarcoma, a childhood cancer, for more than four years, surviving 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 ask you to join us in this great struggle.
An event commemorating this remarkable young man will be held at the East Coast Wings + Grill on Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 p.m. Kinston-Lenoir County’s annual St. Baldrick’s event is held to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This wonderful foundation is a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of raising funds to help find cures for children suffering from cancer.
The foundation’s name is a pun on what takes place at St. Baldrick’s events as they are primarily head shaving events. Participants sign up to be made “bald” by either cutting their ponytails or shaving their heads to show their solidarity with children who typically lose their hair during their cancer treatments to raise money. Like many others, I believe that those who help children with cancer are true saints.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of childhood cancer research. The foundation provides financial support to some of the world’s most brilliant childhood cancer research experts. It also funds innovative explorers who bring hope for a future without childhood cancer.
Unfortunately, about every two minutes, a family is changed forever when they hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” Can you imagine your child having cancer? I have now preached the funerals of two children who died after battling childhood cancer. I cannot explain to you in words how difficult it was and is for these families. Words are not enough.
What I can tell you is that together we can ensure that fewer families have to go through this terrible experience. We can create a future where fewer children get cancer, but it will take good people like you to open your wallets and support this great cause.
There will also be two additional fundraising opportunities. There will be a motorcycle tour on Saturday, October 1st, hosted by the Coastal Plains Bikers for Christ. Registration will be held that day from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Jackson Heights OFWB Church. The grandstands will be set up at 11 a.m. for about an hour’s ride. If you ride, you are invited to ride for children with cancer.
Also this Sunday, September 25th is St. Baldrick’s Giving Sunday at Jackson Heights OFWB Church. This Sunday’s offering goes to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. You are invited to join us and give as you can.
You can learn more about St. Baldrick’s or make a donation at the link below.
https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/6461/2022
Pastor Justin, senior pastor
Jackson Heights OFWB Church
Proverbs 3:5-6
