The Crisp County community came together today to help a deputy who is battling cancer.
Michael Sangster is only 34 years old. He was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2010. After beating it a first time, the cancer came back last November.
Now people in the community are planning fundraiser's to help him with mounting expenses.
Sgt. Michael Sangster fights back tears as he is surrounded by friends and family.
"It is hard to swallow at times just to think of what this community has done," says Michael Sangster, Cancer patient/ Crisp Co. Deputy.
The 34-year old training officer for the Crisp County Sheriff's Office is well-known for his work in the community.
"He has a heart that is absolutely bigger than you could ever know. Michael has been involved in any and everything that happens in the county," says Carolyn Parham, Dixie Riders Secretary.
"He has just done so much for so many people that we wanted to pay back and give him back the love that he has shown everyone else," says Senior Trooper Kevin McNeese\GSP/ Iron Warriors Dirty South President.
Sangster was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. After rounds of chemo and an operation, he was clean of the cancer.
"But then it came back," says Sangster.
The melanoma had spread and his kidney had to be removed during his treatment.
Now the lessons he used to teach to young deputies have become even more relevant today.
"That is what I teach all these guys, you never give up, no matter what happens, no matter who is beating you up in the street, you never die, and it kind of equated straight into this once I found out I had cancer, I quit fighting for somebody else and started fighting for me," says Sangster.
And that is why friends, co-workers, and two motorcycle clubs planned this fundraiser, so Sangster doesn't have to fight that battle alone.
"Everyone always says that they don't know why they would want to live somewhere small and somewhere where there is not a lot of things to do, well this is the reason we enjoy living in a place like this, because everyone falls behind everyone in need," says McNeese.
And Sangster is eternally grateful for all of the loving support.
"What have I done for these people, for them to do what they are doing for me," says Sangster.
For now, he continues to take one day at a time.
Sergeant Sangster is currently on medical leave. If you would like to donate to help, call the Crisp county Sheriff's Office.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
