The class of 2019 is raising money for Keonte Brantley (LT), 14, and his family in their fight against cancer. They are beginning to sell wristbands on Feb. 19 for $2 each and can be purchased at Troy Elementary School, Charles Henderson Middle School, Charles Henderson High School and Pike Liberal Arts School.

The wristbands have #TeamTae and #PrayforTae imprinted on them. Donations will be accepted at the schools as well as any Troy Bank & Trust branch in the #TeamTae account.

Six parents decided to start the fundraiser with the schools.

“Once we found out that it was cancer and LT would have to have chemo, surgery and radiation, I knew that his mom would be missing a lot of work and such,” said Joy Scarbrough, one of the parents who started the fundraiser. Scarborough’s twin boy and girl are Brantley’s classmates. “This would be a way we could make some quick money for them because they are traveling back and forth to Birmingham on a regular basis.”

All proceeds from the wristbands and donations will benefit Brantley’s family to help with the cost of medical and travel expenses.

Bentley has what is classified as an undifferentiated sarcoma. A mass was found attached to one of his ribs. The mass is growing toward his lungs.

Brantley was on the football, basketball and baseball teams at CHMS.

“He is a competitor,” said Shelby Tuck, basketball coach at CHMS. “[The cancer] is something that he I competing in, and he is going to beat it.”

“The wristbands are a great gesture from the community and Troy City Schools,” Tuck said. “They’ll definitely benefit from it.”

“Anybody that knows him, loves him and wants to do something for him,” Scarbrough said.

Brantley told Coach Tuck, “I’m going to beat this cancer.”

“I haven’t heard a negative word come out of him,” Tuck said. “This kid can be strong going through what he is going through, so how can I not be strong going through the things I go through every day?”

“When a tragedy strikes, our community is so quick to come together,” Scarbrough said.

“Here at Troy City Schools, we are one big family, and he is our family member. We are going to take care of him,” Tuck said.

This year’s yearbook will be dedicated to Brantley and Corey Porter, another student battling cancer.