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TC Brooks takes the high road for a good cause
By Theron Willis
HOMETOWN NEWS
 Just a few weeks ago Woodruff High School’s baseball and assistant football coach Will Lanford and his wife, Michelle received news that every parent prays never to hear, that their four-year-old son, Easton has a brain tumor.
Upon hearing of the Lanfords’ struggle, the Woodruff community has rallied to show them support in this heart wrenching and difficult time. The Woodruff High School booster club raised $1,130 and presented it to Lanford at a recent baseball game. Now the community’s support is showing itself accompanied by the growl of a Harley echoing the call of the open road.
Teresa “TC” Brooks, whose late husband, Dick, is a NASCAR and Upstate automotive legend, was preparing to go on the “Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America” to raise money for Victory Junction camps for disabled children when she heard of the Lanford family’s plight. She then decided to ride for a dual purpose, both for Victory Junction and for Easton.
“My heart went out to Mr. Lanford and his family,” TC said before embarking on her cross-country ride. “I don’t even know Mr. Lanford personally but I’ve always heard good things about him and I just wanted to help any way I could.”
After talking with District 4 Superintendent Dr. Rallie Liston last Monday, it was decided that the district would sponsor TC’s motorcycle trek by raising $2,500. Each school has been charged with raising $500 each and the district office pledged to collect $500 as well. The fundraiser continues until Friday, May 7.
The Charity Ride Across America started its coast-to-coast motorcycle trek on Saturday, May 1 in Indian Wells, California and ends in Greensboro, NC on Sunday, May 9, a total of 3,097 miles. TC is riding a 2008 Harley Davidson Trike Ultra Classic, a three-wheeled bike that’s easier to ride with her recent knee surgery.
Coach Lanford said he and his family are more than grateful for the outpouring of community love and support. “It’s amazing that Ms. Brooks would do this and we’re really overwhelmed by the amount of support from the community and the school and my players,” Lanford said. “Me and my wife, Michelle feel blessed by God to be in Woodruff during this difficult time.”
Lanford said the tumor is in a very bad spot in Easton’s brain - right behind where his optic nerves meet - but his condition hasn’t worsened. The doctors have established that the tumor isn’t malignant and the eye doctor has reported Easton’s eyesight hasn’t been affected yet.
Easton is going to have to undergo a full body MRI every 3 months for the next year to keep a close and watchful eye on his condition.
Coach Lanford and Michelle are waiting now with bated breath for any further developments. “We’re kind of in a holding pattern right now,” he said.
The fundraiser proceeds will go to a trip this summer to Disney World in Orlando, FL so Coach Lanford and his son Easton can make every moment count in this time of uncertainty.
Anyone interested in making a donation can bring a check to the school district office by Friday before 3 p.m. The office can be contacted at 476-3186.
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