A Shelbyville man battling cancer was surprised with a more than $19,000 check to help cover his medical bills.
John Neely is an Army veteran who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2013. This January, he recieved a second devastating diagnosis when doctors found a tumor in his throat.
"We’ve been together for 23 years," said John's wife, Rusty. "He’s a soldier, a carpenter, a builder - so strong. And the treatments have made him so weak and sick."
John has remained strong in his faith, often praying with other patients while receiving chemotherapy treatment, but recently, he's become too sick to attend services.
"That's my husband," Rusty said. "He'll be on the floor sick and say how good God is to him."
This Sunday, John's pastor asked him to attend so the church could present him with a gift.
At the beginning of the service, a church member and local businessman presented John with nearly $20,000.
John's family has planned to use that money to pay off credit card debt.
"It's like being able to breathe again," Rusty said. "It's overwhelming."
John was presented the check at church. The money was raised by Josh Lynch with Athena Broadband.
