Dick entered the hospital this week and will be in for a few days. Check the update page for more information.
An open letter to friends of Dick
Dick Antoine has set the standard for community volunteerism over the last 20 years in Hot Springs. His love of our city and unselfish daily efforts of his time, experience and knowledge of this resort community are unequaled. Whether it is interviewing a famous politician on the radio, promoting a farmers market, emceeing a parade, lending a helping hand to countless civic and private organizations or just being a good friend, Dick's track record of community involvement is legendary. He has been a torch carrier for countless fund raising activities while raising several hundreds of thousands of dollars for a wide variety of worthy causes. From dog shows to huge community celebrations, from his portrayals of Neatness Man for the beautification commission, Santa Claus for thousands of kids or the world's largest Leprechaun, Dick has done it all.
Dick gets his thrill out of pleasing others and believing he makes a difference in people's lives. His upbeat attitude and positive slant at daily life is something the rest of us can only admire. He never asks for, nor seldom receives, the kudos for just being Dick. If you listen to his morning radio show, he will tick you off and make you love him all in the same week. He's just Dick. A heart big as gold.
For years Dick has made a huge contribution to organizing Cancer fundraisers locally, culminating in the annual Relay for Life Program. He has led the fight for others who have been stricken with the deadly disease while raising public awareness and huge sums of money for the cause. His emotions run deep on the subject as several of his family members and close friends have fought this disease.
Our friend is now facing the biggest challenge of his life as he was recently diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. Prognosis is challenging but prayer and treatment are being administered. It is feared that when the radiation and chemo treatments begin, he may very well lose the use of his familiar voice temporarily or possibly even permanently. He currently has insurance that will pay for a large part of the bills. However, in the event that he is unable to continue in radio, there could be severe challenges down the road. Without the use of his voice, his career would be placed on hold.
We, his close personal friends, are asking for your help. Individually, it would be difficult for any of us under these economic times to do what we really would like to do. However, if we all did some, it would add up. We know that Dick has touched the lives of thousands of people over the years and we feel it's time to give back to him 100 fold. An account has been set up at First National Bank, Hot Springs for contributions. (The Dick Antoine Cancer Fund) We hope you feel as we do, this is a cause well worth supporting. We will administer the funds to the family as needed to cover the bills.
In the event the funds are not needed by Dick and his family, donations will be given, in Dick's name, to Relay for Life. Relay for Life is one of Dick's most passionate causes.
We are currently trying to produce a special purple wrist band for those of you willing to wear them to remember Dick as he battles this disease. We will be providing updates on his progress each week through this website. Thank you for giving back to Dick, who has given so much to us over the years.
Tom Wilkins / Mark Buhrow
Dick gets his thrill out of pleasing others and believing he makes a difference in people's lives. His upbeat attitude and positive slant at daily life is something the rest of us can only admire. He never asks for, nor seldom receives, the kudos for just being Dick. If you listen to his morning radio show, he will tick you off and make you love him all in the same week. He's just Dick. A heart big as gold.
For years Dick has made a huge contribution to organizing Cancer fundraisers locally, culminating in the annual Relay for Life Program. He has led the fight for others who have been stricken with the deadly disease while raising public awareness and huge sums of money for the cause. His emotions run deep on the subject as several of his family members and close friends have fought this disease.
Our friend is now facing the biggest challenge of his life as he was recently diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. Prognosis is challenging but prayer and treatment are being administered. It is feared that when the radiation and chemo treatments begin, he may very well lose the use of his familiar voice temporarily or possibly even permanently. He currently has insurance that will pay for a large part of the bills. However, in the event that he is unable to continue in radio, there could be severe challenges down the road. Without the use of his voice, his career would be placed on hold.
We, his close personal friends, are asking for your help. Individually, it would be difficult for any of us under these economic times to do what we really would like to do. However, if we all did some, it would add up. We know that Dick has touched the lives of thousands of people over the years and we feel it's time to give back to him 100 fold. An account has been set up at First National Bank, Hot Springs for contributions. (The Dick Antoine Cancer Fund) We hope you feel as we do, this is a cause well worth supporting. We will administer the funds to the family as needed to cover the bills.
In the event the funds are not needed by Dick and his family, donations will be given, in Dick's name, to Relay for Life. Relay for Life is one of Dick's most passionate causes.
We are currently trying to produce a special purple wrist band for those of you willing to wear them to remember Dick as he battles this disease. We will be providing updates on his progress each week through this website. Thank you for giving back to Dick, who has given so much to us over the years.
Tom Wilkins / Mark Buhrow