Community Rallies to Support Scott Richardson at Cancer Benefit

Our Daily Show Interview! Scott’s Freedom From Cancer Benefit on 2-21

ALTON - Community members can enjoy a day of fun while supporting a local man undergoing cancer treatments.

Scott and Melanie Richardson have organized Scott’s Freedom from Cancer Benefit on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Alton VFW Post #1308. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can stop by the VFW to enjoy a vendor fair. Then, at 5 p.m., it costs $30 to enjoy a 50/50 drawing, a silent auction, a taco bar from Taqueria Maya, and live music from Borderline Band. All proceeds go toward the Richardson family.

“This benefit is to raise awareness and help with medical bills, but it’s also just to get the community together and have some fun, just forget about life for a little bit,” Scott said. “We’re looking forward to it, and we’re hoping everybody can come out and just have a good time."

Scott shared that he had “no symptoms whatsoever” when, in August 2025, he developed severe stomach pain and went to the hospital. They discovered a blockage and took him into emergency surgery, and he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.

In the months since, Scott has been undergoing treatments, and his tumors have shrunk considerably. He expressed his gratitude to the staff at Moeller Cancer Center at St. Anthony’s, noting that they are “some of the greatest people [he has] ever met.”

He emphasized that his story is not unique, but actually becoming more common where people are diagnosed with later stages of cancer but have no symptoms. He hopes the benefit raises money, but also raises awareness and encourages regular screenings and doctor visits.

Scott and Melanie shared that the benefit on Saturday will bring in friends from across the country, including many of Scott’s buddies from the U.S. Navy. Kids ages 12 and under can attend for free.

The 50/50 drawing will be cash only, and they will accept cash and Venmo for everything else. Melanie thanked the people and organizations who have donated items for the silent auction, including many local businesses. The vendor fair will also offer a wide range of products, from crochet to crafts to spa treatments and more.

Scott and Melanie encourage people to stop by the benefit for a fun day of support. They are thankful for those who have reached out and helped them through this difficult time, and they hope to see many people — friends and strangers alike — on Saturday.

“We do hope to see everybody there,” Melanie added. “It is going to be a lot of fun.”

For more information, click here or visit the official Facebook event page.

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