This year the recipient was Derrin Mallory, a 16-year-old who continues to receive weekly chemo treatments in his fight against leukemia.
“I think it was a wonderful idea,” his mother, Angela Edwards-Mallory, said today of the Sunday concert, which was also attended by Derrin’s father, Derrick, and many members of his family. “We’re very appreciative the faith-based community came together to rally around us. It was so uplifting to us. All the ministers had prayer with Derrin.”
This was the 15th year the fellowship choir was held, said Carl Ferebee, and churches throughout the area participated.
In addition to the host church participants were Crowell’s Missionary Baptist Church — Enfield; Faithful Band Missionary Baptist Church — Pleasant Hill; London Missionary Baptist Church — Roanoke Rapids; Mason Grove Baptist Church — Valentines, Virginia; Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church — Littleton; Twilight Missionary Baptist Church — Halifax; and Word In Action Worldwide Ministries — Weldon.
“We truly appreciate everyone who participated and attended this momentous occasion,” First Baptist Pastor Michael Simmons and his wife, Elizabeth, said in a statement.
Edwards-Mallory said latest round of chemo is going much better for her son. “He’s able to attend school. His immune system has strengthened. This phase is going very well. We’re very optimistic about the outcome.”
Derrin’s mother has taken strength from her son’s fight and while she and her family are well known in the community, “I said, ‘Derrin, people are doing this because of you,’” she said, referring to the outpouring from the community. “Derrin is so strong and optimistic. He will not get down. I draw strength from him.”
Returning to school was important for him, his mother said. “Him being in school has been great for him. He’s been able to get his license. He is very optimistic. He will not lose his spirit and his persistence. He just won’t give up.”
In the tenth grade at Roanoke Rapids High School, Derrin has always been a good student, his mother said. “This semester he poured himself into the book work. He’s done really, really well. He’s really optimistic. He knows this is a finite part of his life and better days are ahead.”
Edwards-Mallory said she told the church Sunday, “The monetary donations have been good, but more importantly what has been so good for me is to walk into Walmart, Drugco, Walgreen’s and somebody says they are praying for Derrin. I think Derrin portrays a picture it could have happened to anybody.”