Selfless act helps local officer during cancer battle
MSU detective thankful for support
Brad and Lindsey Massey have weathered more challenges than most, but they didn't have to do it alone.
Brad Massey, a 19-year law enforcement veteran and detective at Mississippi State University, is in the midst of a battle with stage IV colon cancer. Inevitably, the medical bills started to pile up.
But recently, the MSU Police Department, Starkville Police Department, Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol hosted a raffle that saw an unmatched act of kindness from one participant.
Justin Mitchener was named the winner of the $10,000 raffle held on April 17, but instead of taking the money on a shopping spree, he opted to give the entire amount to Brad and Lindsey Massey to help pay for Brad's treatment.
“I bought a ticket to try and help Brad on a Thursday,” Mitchener said. “The next day, driving home from work, I felt the Lord telling me that I was going to win and that the money was to stay with the Massey family.”
Combined with Mitchener's contribution, Brad and Lindsey Massey received $39,600 to go toward medical and living expenses.
Last Tuesday, Mitchener, who is the CEO and founder of Juva Juice on Highway 12, received the call saying he had won the raffle.
“It blew my mind,” Mitchener said. “I knew what I was suppose to do with that money. It was meant for them.”
The Masseys had nothing but praise and gratitude for the Starkville and MSU communities who came together and participated in the raffle. Nearly 400 tickets were sold at $100 each in support of the Massey family.
“We also would like to personally thank Justin Mitchener and his family,” Brad Massey said. “Justin was the winner of the raffle and he selflessly donated his winnings to my fight against the disease.”
Donations can also be given through a GoFundMe set up for Massey at www.gofundme.com/supportbradmassey.
Along with the raffle, owner of the Book Mart and Cafe Carolyn Abadie set up an account at Cadence Bank in downtown Starkville. Donations can be made to Brad Massey's medical expenses.
Abadie said she is also going to put a donation jar for the family at Book Mart and Cafe.
“Due to this much appreciated supported from the community, I will be able to continue with my treatments and work to defeat this disease,” Brad Massey said. “Once I defeat this disease, I look forward to returning to work and serving this amazing community.”