Benefit and Dance Planned for Donnie Hamrick
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – Organizers are calling on the public to help one of our neighbors from the Lovelady area, Donnie Hamrick, recently diagnosed with stage four melanoma in his eye. The events look to help the family cope with rising medical costs to treat the illness.
Hamrick, who works in the oilfield business and is a volunteer with Weldon Volunteer Fire Department, starting having issues a few months ago, before receiving the official diagnosis. He has two sons in Lovelady schools, one in elementary and the older one in the school band.
“Donnie is always the first one to respond to any of those calls at the fire department and always there to help other people out. So, we wanted to do something for him, according to Kelsey Waller, a family friend helping to organize the events.
Melanomas of the eye are a type of cancer, which are usually difficult to detect. There are treatments available, but there are risks involved, including partial or total loss of vision.
Waller and Chelsea Avery are among those planning several fun events to show support for the Hamrick family, and hope to raise some funds they know will be needed as the treatment phase begins.
A Corn Hole Tournament is planned for Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Lovelady Old Gym, with teams welcome to join, and all proceeds going to the family. There will be plenty to eat, too, with brisket plates on sale. The event will run from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ranch Road will headline a benefit dance beginning at 7 p.m., with silent auction and tickets available for couples, singles and coolers. An account has been set up for Donnie at Lovelady State Bank under his name for any other donations.
“Donnie’s is someone who’s always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what it is – whether it’s at the fire department, or just somebody in the community,” Waller said. “He’s always there to help, no matter the circumstance.”
For more information, please contact Kelsey Waller at 936-577-4862 or Chelsea Avery at 936-204-5299.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
