GRAVETTE -- A burrito fundraiser and huge yard sale will be held this weekend to benefit Darrin Carnahan and family of Gravette. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 17, and Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Carnahans' home at 102 Tenth Avenue, S.E. The family is asking for donations of merchandise to sell and will appreciate any help donors can give.
Darrin was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell carcinoma in the summer of 2015. His cancer is located in his lung and in the brain and, unfortunately, is the type of cancer that is known to spread readily.
In the months since his diagnosis, Darrin has been taking steroids to keep his brain from swelling. The steroids themselves have unpleasant side effects, including extreme dizziness. He has also undergone both chemotherapy treatments and brain radiation treatments. In addition, he has been using homeopathic treatments from the local health food store and has eliminated processed foods from his diet, which he believes has helped him feel much better.
Darrin and his wife Kimberly have two young sons, Mark and Levi, who are students in Gravette elementary school. The family has been coping surprisingly well considering Darrin's illness and related financial problems. Darrin describes himself as "a man of faith" and says he knows he needs to be strong for his family. He believes in the power of prayer to help improve both physical and mental health. He is an excellent example of courage in the face of adversity.
The family doesn't know how much longer Darrin will live, but they have been carrying on as well as possible with life as usual. Three older children live in Arizona and another son is serving in the U.S. Navy. The family hosted a wedding in their backyard for one of Darrin's daughters from Arizona this summer and have recently enjoyed a visit from their son in the service. Darrin is happy that he is now growing a nice head of hair after some of his treatments left him bald earlier in the year.
Darrin recently sent out an update on his condition. He reported that after five chemotherapy treatments and 15 brain radiation treatments, the doctors have released him to hospice and told him they have done all they could. He was told that the last few treatments had no beneficial effect and that there are seven new tumors growing in his brain. "Days, weeks, maybe a few months to live," his report concluded.
Darrin had to quit his job when his health declined, and Kim lost her job not long afterward. They would have been unable to work anyway during the time they were making daily trips for several weeks for his treatments. They have some health insurance, but insurance doesn't cover everything and medical bills have been very high.
Generous donations from friends and family have helped the Carnahans throughout their ordeal but now Darrin is thinking daily about what he needs to do to prepare his family for his departure. He is making plans for his funeral and trying his best to ensure he will leave his wife and sons in the best circumstances possible.
The Carnahans have planned this weekend's sale to help raise money for Darrin's cancer treatment bills and upcoming funeral expenses. Their backyard is already filling with several containers of good quality items and they are accepting any good, clean items donors are willing to share. These include clothing, baby and children's items, books, tools, sporting goods, musical instruments, jewelry, household items and running vehicles. Can Do Hardware is sponsoring this event with donations of materials. Anyone having items to donate should bring them to the Carnahan home if possible, or they may arrange for pick up by calling 479-685-2514. Donations should be dropped off at the little red barn on the right side of the property, 102 Tenth Avenue, S.E.
Those attending the yard sale will also be able to shop for their supper at the Carnahan home. Darrin is noted for his cooking skills and makes some especially tasty Mexican food. He grew up in Arizona, has worked in Mexican restaurants and says he learned his authentic recipes from Mexican women who were expert cooks. He plans to make large Mexican-style burritos and sell them for a donation of $5 each. Shoppers may choose from spicy refried bean and cheese or spicy beef and potato burritos.
The Carnahans invite everyone in the area to come and shop this weekend, but anyone who is unable to attend will still have an opportunity to help the family. Financial contributions may be mailed to Darrin or Kimberly Carnahan, P.O. Box 277, Gravette, or to 102 Tenth Avenue, S.E., Gravette. They may also contribute to account #1229826 at the Bank of Gravett, 211 Main Street S.E., or go online to GoFundMe/darrincarnahan.
Community on 09/14/2016