TIFTON — When Rick Phillips heard of his friend Ron Kirby’s cancer diagnosis, he felt compelled to do something to help. 

Kirby, a native of Tift County, has stage IV throat cancer and is scheduled for surgery to remove his voice box Sept. 1.

He will have six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation after the surgery.

For the last year and a half, Kirby knew something was not right.

He remained hoarse, even after treatment with antibiotics and other medications.

He said he felt like there was always something stuck in his throat. He went to a throat specialist at the end of June where he was given the prognosis.

Kirby is known in the community for having diverse careers, such as being a bounty hunter and building furniture. He is also an Army veteran.

According to Kirby, the Veterans Administration turned down his surgery and listed him as 0 percent disabled, but did give him a Disabled American Veteran tag.

Phillips heard the news of the upcoming surgery and rising cost of treatment and decided to take action.

As the owner of Tifton Auction Group, Phillips chose to host a benefit auction to help his friend during this ordeal.

It will take place Sept. 9 at the Tifton Elks Lodge.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the auction will begin at 10 am.

Currently, donations for the auction are welcomed. Phillips said they are looking for anything that can be auctioned. Though personal contributions have been the most common, business donations are appreciated. Because the donations are going to a charity, they are eligible for a tax deduction if needed.

The sale of the items will help offset the cost of medical and travel expenses.

Kirby does not have health insurance at this time.

Donations can be taken to Second’s Plus on 110 S. Central, or donators can contact Rick Phillips at 229-890-6821.

The family also has a page set up for monetary support at https://www.gofundme.com/ron-kirby-benefit-fund.

Kirby said the hardest part about the experience is the question, “What happens if I don’t make it?”

In spite of this, he has tried to stay positive, even joking that after the doctor removes his voice box, he has dreams of getting a new one.

He just hopes it has a southern accent.