Foster clears first hurdle in medical battle

Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 5:00 pm

By KEVIN BOWDEN
Staff Reporter
Jim Foster has cleared one hurdle and has one more major hurdle ahead in his battle with cancer.
The longtime Obion County Rescue Squad member and Goodyear retiree has been at home in Union City recovering from triple heart bypass surgery he underwent a few weeks ago in Jackson.
Now, Foster and his wife, Linda (Gardner) Foster, are preparing to leave for a clinic in Houston, Texas, where he will undergo treatment for cancer.
Foster, 63, was first hospitalized two days before Christmas. He remained at the Jackson-Madison County Hospital until being released Jan. 18. That hospital stay was to deal with problems Foster was experiencing with heart blockages. Now he is preparing for cancer treatment in Houston.
Recently, a group of Foster’s friends got together and organized a benefit chili supper at Charlie T’s restaurant in downtown Union City. The event raised about $8,000, which the Foster family will use to help offset their expenses related to Foster’s medical treatments.
Of the $8,000 that was raised, the local Woodmen of America made a generous $2,500 donation to help out the Foster family.
Foster is well-known locally as a member of the rescue squad, where he serves as a first responder. He has been a member for more than 30 years and was recently named the 2011 Officer of the Year.
He was first diagnosed with cancer of the nasal area about 24 years ago, but was declared cancer-free after undergoing extensive treatments.
Now the cancer has returned and Foster and his wife will be leaving for the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center in the next few days. He has an appointment scheduled for Tuesday.
Foster’s cancer is located in the left side of his face, around his eye and sinuses.
He has been told by doctors in Jackson the cancer is inoperable, according to Judy Faulkner, a friend.
She described Foster as weak but in good spirits after visiting with him briefly Tuesday morning.
Anyone interested in making a donation to help Foster can mail their donation to Mrs. Faulkner at 4451 Countrywood, Union City, TN. 38261.
Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger 2.1.12