A Central Texas mother got the news she never expected and now the Texas Country Music community is stepping up in her fight against ovarian cancer.
Eric Raines has been the voice of morning radio at KOKE FM for years but just a few months ago, a moment that left him speechless.
"I was actually on the air when she called. I was floored. I couldn't talk. I wanted to cry. It was one of those, oh wow moments that you never wish for," said Eric.
Terri, his wife had Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. It's called the silent killer because there are often no or few symptoms before it is diagnosed.
"I'm not sure anybody is prepared for that mentally, emotionally, financially and it changes your world instantly," said Eric.
Music is what brought Eric and his wife Terri together decades ago.
"How did you and Terri meet?" asked KXXV Anchor Lindsay Liepman.
"Oh wow! We actually went to school together in Belton. There's an old club in Temple. I was the DJ. It was Cactus Canyon and we started dating. 24 years later, we're still married with two kids and two dogs," said Eric.
Now their music family is stepping up to host a benefit concert in October at Schoepf's BBQ in Belton. Owner Ronnie Schoepf says every seat is already sold out.
"We physically can't do a whole lot with the struggle but we can help with the fight to keep their mind on something other than the medical side," said longtime family friend Ronnie Schoepf.
"I'm overly humbled by everybody in the scene who wanted to come play when none of them have been playing or making any money and here they are stepping up to help," said Eric of the artists who volunteered to play the benefit.
Eric now works from home to care for his wife and children.
"The goal is to get her smiling again," he said.
"If Terri ends up watching this story, what do you want her to know?" asked Liepman.
"You find strength in somebody you didn't know had it when they face something they weren't expecting. A really strong person that has a lot of people that love her and are praying for her and hoping she gets better really quick" said Eric.
You can learn more about helping the Raines family online.
There will also be an online auction, plus a Washer and Golf Tournament planned. Learn more online.
