Poker run will benefit local cop

Dillon resident Michael Barfield said he’s very loyal to his friend, Lake View Police Officer Michael Jackson.

So when Jackson was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer a few months ago, the only appropriate thing to do was to help him in any way possible, Barfield said.

Barfield said he knew it would cost money to treat the condition, not to mention the unpaid time off Jackson would need for chemotherapy and surgery.

He decided the best way to help Jackson was to organize a poker run to raise money to help with medical and living expenses.

“He works for a small town. Lake View only employs four people — the chief and three others — and so they don’t make a killing down there,” Barfield, a Dillon County sheriff’s deputy, said.

The two met in 2002 when Barfield was a Lake View police officer. Jackson has been with the department for about 10 years, Barfield said.

Despite regular chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Jackson still manages to work, Barfield said.

“He’s doing fair. He working, he’s struggling, but he is working. He’s got good spirits,” Barfield said. “He ain’t letting it get him down, he’s fighting it.

“(But) I don’t want to see him run out of money and don’t have the things he needs.”

Jackson, a single father raising a daughter, may have to miss some work to undergo surgery, Barfield said.

“He’s a good guy. The reason I’m doing it is because we’ve been good friends since 2002. I’m just trying to help him out,” Barfield said. “You hear about cancer every day, but when it starts (affecting) your good friends and your family, it’s kind of rough.”

The poker run will begin Aug. 23 at County Line Club, said Jason Dean, run organizer and the club’s owner.

In addition to motorcycles, the event is open to cars and trucks, Dean said. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and costs $10. The first motorcycle will leave the club at 1 p.m.

There will be a drawing where half the proceeds will go directly to Jackson, Dean said. Other prizes will be given for the best and worst poker hands.

The ride will be followed by an auction and dinner.

“It’s (a) way that the people can get together and enjoy themselves on a good ride and, at the same time, raise money for a good cause,” Barfield said.

If you’re Going:

WHAT: Poker Run for Lake View Police Officer Michael Jackson

WHEN: 11 a.m. Aug. 23

WHERE: Beginning at the County Line Club, 1214 Old Ebenezer Road, Dillon

COST: Registration is $10. Motorcycles, cars and trucks welcome

INFO: Call Jason Dean at (843) 752-5580 or (843) 752-4000.