Arnett benefit scheduled for Sunday

Sept. 15--For most, complaining about a bad hair day or getting behind a slow driver on your way to work is normal.

But for Brad and Leecia Arnett, complaining just isn't what they do.

Challenges, many of them medical, have become their "norm."

Leecia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, a disease of the central nervous system. Since stress aggravates the condition, she is on an anti-stress medication, and walks with a cane at times. She also takes a weekly shot to slow the effects of the MS.

At a routine mammography appointment in 2009, it was learned that Leecia had breast cancer, one that was aggressive. She had a chemotherapy port put in May 20, 2009, a lumpectomy May 27, then a total hysterectomy that was already scheduled on June 30. She also had six chemo treatments, and six weeks of radiation, five days a week in Dallas.

"We like to live on the wild side, adventurous," Leecia joked in 2009. "Don't want to get too comfortable. We like to keep a little drama going."

Her most recent challenge was a cataract surgery Sept. 10, 2014. Her arthritis doctor caught it, because it was so advanced it was noticeable to the naked eye. He also believes she now has fibromyalgia.

Through all this, the couple cared for their five canines and raised their niece and nephew, Jordan and Joshua.

Brad has his own kettle of fish. Though he takes care of Leecia and still gets out to earn a living daily at Hunter Excavation, he had to have a kidney transplant in 1995, from a 70-year-old cadaver donor. For the last two years, he has been on the donor list for a new kidney to replace the one that's been keeping him alive the last 19 years.

Typically, donor kidneys only last about eight years.

"I think this kidney has been pretty good for 19-plus years!" Leecia joked.

In August 2012, Brad was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma, and doctors had to remove nearly all of his ear canal.

"All those years he was driving a truck, riding with the window down, he got sun damage," Leecia said.

"They took the entire outside part of my ear off, then worked on the ear canal, and put it back on," Brad said.

Fortunately, Brad made a full recovery from that scare, and now the kidney is the pressing issue. The first time he received a transplant, they had worked to put away money and save up for the time he would be off work, not to mention the medical bills. This time, things are different. Leecia is on disability, after working many years with her health challenges. The company Brad is employed by is small, and switched their insurance to Obamacare. Their prescription drug bills alone average a minimum of $700, and that's just co-pays. When the "perfect" kidney does appear, Brad will have to be off work for three months. The Arnetts have struggled financially for so long with all the medical expenses, they never seem to recover from one before the next wave hits.

Friends and family will hold a benefit from 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21122 W. Third Ave. Brad is the son of Barbara Arnett, and the brother of Randall Arnett and Rhonda Barlow.

Tammie McWhorter is organizing this benefit, and said there will be barbecue sandwiches or links with beans, potato salad, cole slaw, condiments, etc.

"Brad's mom is making her fabulous peach cobbler," McWhorter said. "I can not wait!"

Ira Bradford and the Bustin' Loose Band will perform, as will the Courtney Prater Band.

Vernon Songer from This Old House out of Laguna Park/Lake Whitney will serve as auctioneer.

There are some amazing items on the auction list, including a new 18-foot piperail utility trailer with standup ramps, and a tarp system by Mountain Tarp for dump trailers/ rock trucks.

Other items include spa packages, hour massage, fish cooker, smoker, huge clay planter from Rockpile, power tools, wall art, furniture, big screen TV, car battery, tire rotations/balance/ oil change, hair cuts/styles, Scentsy, Vera Bradley items, baked goods from Bittersweet Boutique and Sweet M's Sweet Treats, and more.

"Anyone can attend," McWhorter said. "For a $10 donation they get a plate and entertainment, and they don't have to participate in the auction. Children under 12 are $5 per plate. We will also have to-go plates for those who wish to go that route.

"There will be a break in the music to hold the auction around 3 p.m. or so, with music resuming after the auction."

There will be a raffle as well, with tickets for $5 each. The five raffle prizes are a Ruger 243 rifle, a Smith/Wesson .22 pistol, spa package, a VISA gift card for $75 and a VISA gift card for $25.

"Raffle items will be announced throughout the event," McWhorter said.

The Arnetts, who are both members of Mildred Baptist Church, say "Our faith in God is who we are. Daily walk."

Both Arnetts will turn 50 this year, but say there's nothing about their lives together they would change. Brad's kidney transplant could happen tomorrow if the transplant team found the perfect fit, but as of now they are saying it may be next summer.

"Around here, we just get up, put our feet on the ground every morning and go," Brad said. "We're made for each other."

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Deanna Kirk is a Daily Sun staff writer. She may be reached via email at [email protected].

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