Tuesday, October 12, 2021 - On Saturday, October 9, Leah “Sevenstar” Rushing, of Belfonte, received an unexpected surprise while attending her sons Muldrow Youth League football game. Rushing who was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December of 2020 at the age of 33 had recently learned that the cancer had doubled in size and had spread to her liver. But friends and the local community joined together to do what they could to aid Rushing and her family in their battle against cancer.
Amanda Hicks, a youth league parent said she was scrolling through Facebook one night and saw a picture of the Muldrow Youth Football team wearing purple socks in Leah’s honor. Hicks said that in that moment she was struck with an overwhelming feeling. “God laid it on my heart, and in that moment I knew what I needed to do to help this sweet family.”
Leah Rushing, husband Jason, and their son Austin.
Hicks stated that Rushing is one of the most genuinely kind and caring people that she knows. “This girl is seriously the most positive human possible,” she said.
Hicks said she contacted her friend, Marianne “Dinky” Willison, another fellow youth league parent, and they immediately went to work organizing a fundraising event to assist the Rushing family in their time of need. “Together we took donations, sold bracelets and racks of ribs. Breanna Daws stepped up and donated her time and efforts in making T-shirts to sell in honor of Leah. Tracy and Heath Lowder knocked it out of the park with their BBQ, which was sold the night of the Roland vs. Muldrow game,” Hicks added.
Traditionally considered a big rivalry game, Hicks said that Saturday’s game felt different. “It was all about love, community and togetherness,” she added.
Left to right; Jason and Leah Rushing, Marianne and James Willison and Amanda Hicks.
Together the community was able to raise $10,000 for Rushing and her family. “I was completely overwhelmed at the amount of support we received from both youth league parents and students,” said Hicks. “God is good!”
Rushing stated that seeing the love and support shown for her made her feel like a queen. “The love from our community just poured over me. I really did feel like a queen,” added Rushing. “Honestly, I forgot about being sick in that moment and felt normal again.”
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
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