Billy Baker has been one of the cornerstones of Motorsport America as founder and photographer for over 15-plus years.
In his “day job”, Billy has served the people of Troup County for 35 years as a firefighter, police officer and most recently a deputy. That community is now coming to his aid.
Last month, he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, and the news only got worse. The 57-year-old’s most recent prognosis was that he had three months to live.
In June of this year, Baker began to feel sick after conducting a traffic stop. He’s had plenty of experience on the traffic beat, patrolling I-85 and I-185 as part of the sheriff’s narcotics division.
It was hot outside, as Georgia in June often is, but the sickness lingered the next day, he said. By the time he went to the emergency room, his upper chest was hurting severely.
His surgeon told him there’s about 600 cases of esophageal cancer each year in Georgia. Given how developed the cancer is, his medical team has prepared an aggressive treatment plan that will possibly combine chemotherapy and targeted radiation.
The sheriff’s office, the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Jackson Services in LaGrange have partnered to host a fundraiser for the Bakers on Aug. 10. It will feature a live auction, barbecue and a riding event with motorcycles, jeeps and hot rods at the Elks Lodge off South Davis Road.
In lieu of a GoFundMe page, the sheriff’s office has set up a bank account for people to make donations to the “Billy Baker Fund,” which amassed about $500 in its first day. Anyone interested should call the sheriff’s office at 706-883-1616 or email Lt. Nathan Taylor at ntaylor@troupco.org.
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