Country music star Toby Keith is bravely fighting stomach cancer. However, the treatments are keeping him sidelined.
Keith canceled an appearance at the SabesWings Second Annual Strike Out Fundraiser following a "tough week" battling the disease, Country Now reported. The "Red Solo Cup" singer was due in California to accept the SabesWings Second Annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The two-day fundraiser held September 18 and 19 at Rava Wines in Paso Robles, California, was hosted by Bret Saberhagen, MLB All-Star and World Series MVP, with his wife Kandace Saberhagen. The event raised $1,046,000 for the charity that's set up to help patients bear the financial burden of cancer care.
Keith provided a video clip as an acceptance for his award. "Hi, I'm honored to accept this Lifetime Achievement award from SabesWings," Keith said in his pre-recorded acceptance.
"I've been through a crazy year dealing with cancer myself and was unable to attend the event this year and I'm sorry about that," he continued. Of course, fans were more concerned that he was so sick to miss something so meaningful.
He went on to explain more about the work SabesWings does for cancer patients and their families who often face bankruptcies. Keith spoke proudly of his own foundation that helps the youngest cancer patients cope with their life-threatening disease.
"My foundation, The Toby Keith Foundation, founded the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City," Keith explained. "We facilitate lodging and food and transportation to and from the hospital for the kids with cancer and their families while they stay across the street from the Children's Hospital," he added.
"Helping ease that burden is the reason we started the foundation," Keith said. "It's truly a dream come true."
Keith would never miss such an important event if he were not so gravely ill. His fans are continuing to hope and pray for a swift recovery.