After hearing the news that Selma resident, Jason Bearden was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in May, Ashly Fancher, a long-time friend of Bearden and his family, knew she wanted to help in whatever way she could.

And once the Selma community, churches and local businesses caught wind of Bearden’s situation — even those who have never actually met Bearden — agreed with Fancher, and wanted to help their neighbor in his time of need.

With the help of the community, Fancher organized a fundraiser for Bearden, selling more than 1,000 tickets at $10 each for barbecue and live music entertainment for an event set for Sunday, July 28 at Valley Grande Park beginning at 2 p.m.

“When we found out Jason had bile duct cancer we knew there was going to be a lot more to it than your average cancer,” Fancher said, noting after Bearden finishes chemotherapy and radiation he’ll need a liver transplant. “He likes to help people, and I’ve got to help him.”

Bearden, his wife and their two young children temporarily moved to Atlanta at the beginning of July for treatment. The Bearden’s will be in Atlanta — and away from their home and jobs — for at least nine weeks, Fancher said.

“This is helping pay their bills while they’re in Atlanta and some of their medical bills as well,” Fancher said.

Bearden will be traveling back to Selma for the event Sunday.

“It’s going to be a fun day. We told everybody to bring a pop up tent and their lounge chairs if they have them,” Fancher said, explaining Dr. George Wood from the Selma Animal Hospital will play music from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Michael Curtis will perform from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will be made possible by the generous donations of money, food and door prizes from local businesses including: Pepsi, KIX 101.5, Selma Curb Market, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Automotive Excitement, Gabes Corner, Carpet Plus, Dr. Whiddon and Dr. Russell, Bracken Construction, Ivie Roberts, Arsella Tellier, Kristi Summerlin and Steve Lane, among others.

“This just shows that Selma is a community that cares,” Fancher said. “Anytime anybody gets into a rough spot, the town always comes together to help everybody — you don’t get this in big cities. The community really comes together in times of need.”

The event is open to everyone and will offer pony rides and games for children. The drawing for door prizes will begin at 5:30 p.m.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will be given to the family.