Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The community is invited to attend an evening of music with the 1st United Methodist Church with "A Voice of Praise!” featuring the Chancel Choir under the direction of MaryRuth Boone.
“We learn in the Old Testament that we are to sing praises to God,” Boone said. “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.” This is according to the psalmist who wrote in the 47th chapter in the Book of Psalms. This should be an evening of uplifting music to carry out that purpose.
MaryRuth said, “This is a wonderful, talented, dedicated group of individuals who love the Lord, love music, and love our community. It’s for a little boy fighting cancer who has family in the community.”
This is a benefit for the family of 3-year-old Drew Albritton. He is the son of Elizabeth (Carroll) and Mike Albritton and they live in O’Fallon, Missouri. Drew also has a sister that is only three months old and is named Reese.
Drew’s Mom, Elizabeth, is the daughter of Dean and Carolyn (Hill) Carroll of Dexter. Elizabeth graduated from Dexter High School. She and her brother, Clay, grew up in the church and sang in the Chancel Choir as teens. She recently retired from teaching at T.S. Hill Middle School and has now taken a leave of absence from her current teaching position.
Drew was diagnosed in July of 2012 with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer in children. It occurs in less than five out of ever one million children each year. He has had six rounds of chemotherapy, two major surgeries, numerous hospitalizations and will undergo a stem cell transplant on February 28th. He will spend about a month in isolation at the hospital. Then after all that, he will receive six weeks of radiation followed by months of immunotherapy. Too much suffering for a child of his age, but he is a strong little fellow!
He has already fought such a hard battle with this cancer and has a very long road ahead. His parents’ Mike and Elizabeth are both teachers. She has taken a leave of absence from her job and Mike has already missed all the work he can for now.
“Our community is trying to let them know that we care about them and want to raise money to help them in any way they can.” Boone state. “We want to show our love and support, and to let them know we love them and that we pray for them each and every day.”
The First Methodist Church invites everyone to come hear some great music including performances by vocal soloists and a rousing piano performance.
The event will take place on Sunday, February 24th at 6 p.m. The program is free to the community. The First United Methodist Church Agape Circle will serve refreshments in the Wesley Hall after the benefit.
Drew is a beautiful young boy who is fighting a brave battle against a terrible disease. Please come out and give a “love offering” during the event.
If you want additional information or just want to make a donation, please call 573-624-3344 or 573-820-3516. The Dexter community wishes Drew and his family the best.
If you would like to send a donation or even a get-well card, you can mail them to Drew Albritton, 1044 Golden Orchard Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368. All your generous donations, gifts, cards and prayers will be greatly appreciated.
