IOLA, Texas--- The Iola community, including the local volunteer fire department, are raising money to help a Fire Chief, diagnosed with cancer.
They're holding a fundraiser for his family at the Iola Fire Station on Saturday, December 16th, starting at 4pm.
Chief Morriss Barney was diagnosed with throat cancer, caused by the HPV virus, in September. He discovered his diagnosis on the same day that he lost his job at the Texas Municipal Power Agency, part of widespread layoffs.
"8 o’clock I was given the diagnosis, at 10 o'clock I was told I was being laid off," Morriss said.
"Within a few short hours the rug had been completely ripped out from under us," added Morriss' wife Debbie.
He's now receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, but his family is looking for help with the out-of-pocket expenses.
The Iola community has rallied around the Barney's, sending help and prayers-- whatever the family may need at a given moment. And, it hasn't gone unnoticed.
"We’re blessed, I’m blessed," Morriss said in tears. "The love that this community has, it gives out. It’s a true blessing."
The upcoming fundraiser will go to support the Barney family. They're also looking for donations (baked goods, small items, etc) to be placed in their live auction. Anyone who'd like to donate can visit this link.
The fundraiser has been titled "No one left behind."