Brotherly Love: Helping A Coach With Cancer
By Ukee Washington
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A tight-knit community is coming together to help a Delaware County man fighting cancer. His neighbors say they're giving back to a man who has given them and their children so much.
When Rick Lord, his wife Maria, and friend Danielle Bartholf hang out, there's always a lot of laughter, despite this tough time.
In July 2013, Rick started suffering from headaches. "I couldn't even move, I couldn't even think, it hurt so bad," he said.
The doctors thought Rick's sinuses required surgery. When they operated, they found cancer. Now Rick is on chemo. Some even has to be given by IV at home.
Not only is the medical diagnosis daunting, so are the bills. His wife Maria said, "Are we going to be able to pay for his prescriptions? The pile of prescriptions that he gets monthly is amazing."
Danielle and other neighbors said they wanted to step up for Rick's family and Rick himself, who coached their children in lacrosse and football.
"Rick gives to our kids, coaching and being there for our kids," she said. "I think that, you know, they're good people, and they need a break."
This past weekend, Danielle and other neighbors put together a fundraiser for Rick's family. The Mummers played, baskets were raffled off, all at donated space from Barnaby's Heritage Ballroom in Holmes. They called it Camo for Cancer, in honor of Rick's love of hunting. Nearly 380 people showed up raising about $15,000.
To Rick and Maria, their friends and neighbors are a gift.
"I'm glad I live in an area where people still stick together. Help each other out, you know?" Rick said.
"The people here are amazing and we're so lucky. They're like family," Maria said. "I wouldn't give them up for anything."