‘Harrison Strong’ fundraiser on Saturday backs much-loved Albion man with myeloma

Photo by Tom Rivers: Saul Harrison said he is thankful for the love and support from his wife Connie and their son Noah. A benefit for the Harrison family will be Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 January 2024 at 8:43 pm

ALBION – Saul Harrison has long been a strong and dependable presence for the Albion community, back when starred on the football field in high school and for many years as an adult, serving as a youthcare worker for the county and a leader at the Shiloh Church.

Harrison, 50, is fighting myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. He has had a mass removed from his spine and a lesion from his hip. He is taking chemotherapy. Harrison is down 30 pounds since his first surgery on Dec. 2. His appetite is coming back, and he is thankful the pain is mostly gone in his back.

In October he started to feel intense pain in his back. Twice he went to the ER. An MRI on Nov. 30 detected the cancer.

The community will have a benefit for the Harrison family from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate.

Saul and his Connie are thankful for the many cards and prayers, including some from strangers.

“The outpouring of support has been crazy,” Connie said today at the Harrison home on East Park Street.

Harrison has been forced to slow down from a busy pace, that included working full-time for the county and part-time on nights at Walmart while also running a barbecue business, Daisy’s Sweet Sauce, named for his mother.

“I’m keeping my faith and trusting in God,” Harrison said. “He will make me a stronger person. He puts stuff on us but not more than we can bear.”

Harrison said a long-time friend, John Butler, has been especially helpful getting him to medical appointments, cooking meals and fixing things around the house.

Butler said he is grateful to give back to someone who has done so much for others.

“I’ve known him for a long time,” Butler said today. “He has been my idol. I’ve always looked up to him. I love him to death.”

The benefit for Harrison is being planned by Geno Allport, Debbie Prest and Callie Allport. About 100 gift baskets are expected to be up for raffle, as well as a 50/50. Some of the big ticket items include an autographed football from Buffalo Bills star Dalton Kincaid, and autographed jerseys from Buffalo Bills players Terrell Bernard, Stevie Johnson and Eric Wood, and coach Sean McDermott.

There also will be a chicken barbecue with tickets at $20. The benefit will help the family with medical expenses.

Harrison said he is eager to get back to his active lifestyle, especially cheering on his son Noah at his sporting events.

“I’m looking forward to getting better and getting back out there,” he said. “I have a lot planned.”