There are some people in this world that are true givers.

Whether it’s a cup of sugar or their time, those people ask for nothing in return.

I know one person like that.

I’ve openly discussed how my father committed suicide when I was 18. It was one of the worst days of my life. I remember nearly every single detail of that day – knowing what happened the moment I saw the chief come through the store where I worked part-time while going to college; the ride home; the look on my mother’s face; and the comforting words of a family friend.

I’m sure that Caleb Davidson doesn’t event remember that day, but I do. Our families had been friends for decades, and we grew up together. In fact, Caleb’s grandfather, Lamar Mitchell, was the police chief who delivered the news.

That day, Caleb was the first friend to offer reassuring words and to orchestrate a gathering of my closest friends to get me through. I’ve never forgotten it. It’s one of the reasons that when Caleb first orchestrated the Cancer Freeze event, I said that I would be willing to do whatever I could to help.

Caleb organized the first Cancer Freeze in 2007 in memory of family and friends who had passed away with cancer. Held on the first Saturday in February, skiers brave the waters of Florala’s Lake Jackson in the middle of the winter – which led to the name “Cancer Freeze.” Proceeds of the event are distributed among those chosen as recipients. There are nine people who will benefit from this year’s event.

On Sunday, Caleb’s father died from cancer. Diagnosed the Thursday before after doctors found metastatic cancer in his colon, liver and abdomen, Caleb described how on the eve of his surgery, his father was busy handing out Cancer Freeze cards to the doctors and nurses visiting his room.

It looks like, when it comes to doing for others, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

When looking at Caleb’s Facebook page, it’s apparent that his friends recognize his giving spirit because even as he grieves the loss of his father, he posts, “I believe that God knew (his father) was struggling with the diagnosis and was unwilling or unable to follow up with a care and treatment plan. I believe that this was God’s way of taking those decisions away. I will continue to praise Him throughout this and encourage each of you to do the same. We are quick to praise God in the good times; we also need to remember to praise Him in ‘the storm.’”

And it’s in this storm that we call the battle against cancer that we need to remember Caleb’s generosity and his giving spirit. I encourage you to donate or be a sponsor by visiting the Cancer Freeze Facebook page and show up in support at Florala’s Lake Jackson on Sat., Feb. 1.