Community rallying around police chief’s son

Published 8:00 am Friday, July 6, 2018

Fundraiser to take place July 26 for Trevor Arrowood

TRYON — The community is rallying for Tryon Police Chief Jeff Arrowood’s son, Trevor, after tumors on his heart were recently discovered to be cancerous.

A barbecue lunch and dinner fundraiser is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at the Foothills Community Chapel, located at 2720 Landrum Road, Columbus.

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Jeff Arrowood has worked for the Tryon Police Department for 25 years. Trevor, 22, a graduate of Polk County High School, graduated from Western Carolina University in just three years, and completed the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Academy. Trevor recently finished his first year as a police officer with the Rock Hill, South Carolina, Police Department.

Trevor is the son of Jeff and Kerry  Arrowood.

Laura Weicker, who is helping organize the fundraiser, said doctors discovered late last month that Trevor had congestive heart failure, with them finding two tumors on his heart. During surgery, the tumors were determined to be cancerous.

Trevor is currently recovering from the surgery at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, with his parents by his side.

The fundraiser, as well as a GoFundMe page, will help with medical expenses as well as the family’s expenses.

“Jeff and Kerry have been vital members of this community who have constantly given back,” Weicker said. “And we need to help them in their time of need.”

Weicker said Trevor’s surgeon is world-renowned Dr. Eric Skipper — who just so happens to be from Polk County.

Skipper graduated from Polk Central High School, and, after that, graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He now specializes in cardiac surgery.

Money is being raised for Trevor and his family through GoFundMe at gofundme.com/support-officer-arrowood.

A local bank account has also been set up for Arrowood, with donations being accepted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Those who wish to help during the July 26 fundraiser may contact Weicker at 828-980-2180.

Jeff and Kerry thanked their family and friends for the overwhelming support they have received so far.

“The calls, text messages and prayers do not go unappreciated,” the Arrowoods said. “On behalf of Trevor and the family, we also extend our thank you to the Rock Hill Police Department, who [also] have provided much support. The medical staff, at both Piedmont and Carolinas Medical Center, has provided Trevor with exceptional treatment. He has a medical team that truly cares and continues to vigorously map out a course of treatment.”