PETERSBURG, Va. -- Twelve teams will spread out over the fields at the Petersburg Sports Complex in an effort to raise money for a long time Petersburg firefighter who is in the fight of his life.
Last year, CBS 6 introduced viewers to Sergeant Mike Clark, an Army veteran who has served as a Petersburg firefighter for the past 15 years.
The "B Shift" driver of truck 2 recently received a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.
“He was sick for probably a month or so before he was diagnosed. At the beginning of December, he was diagnosed with the colon cancer,” said his daughter, Tori Clark.
Clark underwent a surgery that removed a large tumor from his colon and 18 lymph nodes.
He is now out of work as he undergoes chemotherapy every other week.
With that in mind, his colleagues, family, and the Tri-Cities community are stepping up to raise money for medical expenses.
A softball tournament has been organized, with the proceeds going to help the longtime firefighter during his time of need.
"He doesn't understand why people want to donate to something, to someone they don't know… but of course he's grateful for everything,” said Tori.
"It's always good you know to be able to help out and raise money for people that are definitely in need,” said Devin Robinson, who is playing on one of the 12 teams Saturday, March 7.
John Slate is donating his time to umpire the game.
"It's a good cause and you know you got to give back to the community some kind of way. I mean for everything you do, you got something to return and that's what we're trying to do, return a favor,” said Slate.
Most of the fundraising effort on Saturday will be at the concession stand where, BBQ, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips and homemade bake goods will be sold.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help cover Clark's mounting medical expenses.
