If you live in Spring River country, your life has most likely been impacted in one way or another by Highland’s own Blake Medlock.
Whether educating children, coaching them in sports or being a first responder in times of trouble Medlock has touched countless lives for the better.
“He has given so much and now we want to do something to give back to him,” said fellow educator Misti Carter when speaking about the upcoming Blake Medlock Benefit Auction.
In November of 2021, Medlock was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and after multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, his fight continues.
“He had to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatments and once those were over and his body got strong enough, he had to have surgery,” Carter said.
The Blake Medlock Benefit Auction will be held June 11 at the A.L. Hutson Memorial Center in Highland beginning at 5 p.m.
“There will be a dinner that will start at 5. The Highland School District Food Truck will be preparing hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and fries and people will be able to purchase dinners. We’re also going to have a live auction which will begin at 6,” Carter said. “We have received some awesome items for the auction and are still accepting items.”
Carter said the funds raised through the event will go to help the Medlock family with medical bills and other expenses associated with his treatments as he continues to battle cancer.
“If someone would like to donate an auction item, they can call the school at 870-856-3273 and will be directed to either myself or to Lindsey Helm,” Carter said. “He has touched so many lives and we want to do something to try to help him and pay him back.”
Despite his battle, Medlock has continued to try to help members of the community as he is able and has kept his friends and family up to date through social media.
In a recent post, Medlock said there have been some changes, “When I first started this, I tried to be light-hearted and called this an adventure. After a few issues, I changed it to journey. Now, I call it like it is. A battle. Ugly, bloody and painful. Me, my family and my friends vs. cancer to the bitter end,” Medlock wrote. “i didn’t get a good report my last visit. They found live cancer cells in the pathology report both in parts of my esophagus they removed, and in my lymph nodes.. so… more treatments. Chemotherapy starts in July…”
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
