The Community Cookout Cancer to benefit freshman J.D. Cook and his family will start at 6 p.m. tonight in Conner Park, next to the high school baseball field.

J.D. was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier in the school year. The cancer spread to 12 of his lymph nodes, requiring his mother to leave her job at Reeves-Hinger to care for J.D. during various treatments. J.D. entered remission in March.

The cookout, sponsored by First United Bank, features a performance by local band “Next to Kin,” snow cones, face painting, a dunk tank and other carnival games. First United Bank will also be selling meals that include a hamburger, chips, cookies and a water for $10, with all proceeds going to J.D.’s medical fund. Other products, such as glow sticks and bracelets, can also be purchased.

“We don’t have much money for food and other stuff because of the treatment,” J.D. said. “So the fundraiser helps raise money for my family.”

Contact Kara Gist at [email protected], Lenzi Schmucker at [email protected] or Joni Rikel at [email protected] with any questions.