take place at the Hub in downtown Hope, Friday, May 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds

will go toward medical expenses incurred by a Hope native son.

Collin Pilkinton, a 1999 graduate of Hope High School, is remembered by many

for his athletic accomplishments on the football field, basketball court, and baseball

diamond, including being All State in golf. He faced many adversaries with skill, talent,

and courage in those high school competitions.

Now Collin, son of Jim and Twila Pilkinton, is in the hardest contest of his life --

an actual fight to save his life. He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. F.ollowing

radiation, multiple rounds of chemo, and immunotherapy treatments, the aggressive

cancer -- which originally affected his esophagus -- is still active and has moved to

Collin’s lungs. All traditional cancer treatment options have been exhausted and he has

been advised to pursue clinical trials at distant hospitals famous for cancer treatment.

Because of the severity of his illness, Collin -- a 2003 University of Arkansas

graduate -- can no longer work full-time as a consultant for sales projects that require

travel to various states. His wife, Heather, has had to leave her full-time job to care for

him; and the cost of medical treatments and associated expenses has created an

overwhelming financial burden for the family, which includes his son Cade, age 16. The

family lives in Springfield, Missouri, and will have added expenses if Collin begins

clinical trials out of state.

Several Hope friends of Collin and his family have teamed up to raise funds to

help defray some of his medical expenses. Those friends will gather at the Hub in

downtown Hope Friday, May 8, bringing an array of baked goods prepared by some of

Hope’s finest bakers. The delicious treats will be offered for donations, “first come, first

served” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with all proceeds going toward Collin’s medical needs.

The bake sale will be just in time for Mother’s Day celebrations. Donations may also be

mailed to 2505 Evangeline Street, Hope, for anyone unable to participate at the bake

sale.

Bonita Reed, Heather’s aunt, has started a GoFundMe effort on Facebook to

help with medical expenses. The family appreciates these acts of kindness and

concern for Collin and they are especially grateful for prayers.