Just in time for Mother’s Day, a special bake sale event for a special cause will 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. Following 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.
