Three years ago, at age eight, D’Artagnan (Tanion) McCoy came to the conclusion that he had too many toys – more than he needed. So in June 2012, he decided that he wanted to give someone else the toys he would get for his birthday. He and his parents spoke with Jessica Powell, Development Officer at Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation, and she suggested that the toys could be donated to the pediatric patients at Watauga Medical Center.
Tanion, now age eleven, is the son of Doc and Trina McCoy, owners of Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, a local business who has been a huge supporter of the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center. Since 2012, more than 5,300 pediatric patients have been able to enjoy Tanion’s gift.
By hosting events and raffle drawings, the McCoy’s have donated more than $19,000 to the cancer patient emergency fund. Each year in October Doc’s Rocks hosts Mining for the Cure, an event in which 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Cancer Center. October 10th will be the 6th year of this event. The McCoy’s also serve on the Cancer Resource Alliance Board and donate pink gems for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s annual Pink Day event raffle – also held in October.
To continue the tradition this year, Tanion had a pool party with more than 25 guests – all bringing presents for the pediatric patients at Watauga Medical Center.
“Tanion is a different child; he is special. He has an old soul in a young body, shared his grandmother, Marsha DeWeese. “He has a compassion for others that not many have, especially at his age.” When asked why he keeps giving, Tanion stated, “It’s just a good thing to do.”
For more information about how you can help patients in the hospital, call (828) 262-4391.
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