Producers harvested a crop for a farmer battling cancer
A common theme among the ag community, and one that is amplified during the harvest season, is being there for one another’s neighbors.
Farmers in North Dakota are the latest example.
Dozens of farmers, trucks, combines, and tractors descended on Bill and Sheila Cotton’s farm in Hillsboro to help complete the family’s sugarbeet harvest.
“Right away, everybody told me they’d help, and that’s been huge,” Bill told KVLY.
It was in the spring the Cotton family received Bill’s diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Bill’s wife, Sheila, periodically posted updates about Bill’s health and the family of seven’s journey overall.
“Having my husband, the father of my children diagnosed with brain cancer has turned our world/live upside down,” she wrote on Facebook on July 5. “We continue to pray for strength for everyone in our house as we walk this path together.”
The harvest support from area farmers is symbolic of small towns and the sense of community.
“That’s what ag communities and small towns do,” Bill’s brother Greg said. “People want to help. That’s what it’s all about.”
A GoFundMe is available to help the family cover medical expenses.
“Every bit of support will help us focus on our dad’s health and well-being without the added stress of financial worries. We are grateful for any help, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing our story with others,” the page says.