IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A community in Iredell County rallied together behind a family going through an emotional time and praying for a miracle.
Milton Tucker, a father and husband, is battling cancer.
Dozens gathered at a fundraiser Saturday to benefit Tucker.
A walk through the largest Christmas light show in the Carolinas is not just an early start to the annual holiday event at Zootastic Park in Troutman, but it’s also helping Tucker and his family.
“Troutman is a small community and we all have come together several different times,” said Scottie Brown, owner of Zootastic Park.
Tucker, a farmer and father of three, is battling undifferentiated sarcoma, a rare cancer that attacks the muscles and bones. He's still undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
"It really hurts to see such a strong man brought down by this terrible disease,” said Marsha Morrison, Tucker’s sister.
Members of the community were wearing "Team Milton" T-shirts.
Families donated money to attend the fundraiser, and all the proceeds will go to the Tucker family, to help with hospital bills and medication costs.
“It makes me feel really proud of our community, the outpouring of love and support for my brother,” Morrison said.
“He's trying to keep fighting and if God wants him to stay around a while longer, he's going to be happy to do that too,” said Melvin Tucker, Milton’s father. “He's got a lot to live for, his family and friends."
Every Christmas season, Zootastic Park holds a fundraiser on the first night the lights display is open to benefit a local family in need.