WESSON — Luc Smith’s family deeply appreciates the high levelof care provided by the Mississippi Blair E. Batson Hospital forChildren during the past year. Smith celebrates his first birthdaytoday, Aug. 4, after overcoming a brain tumor, plus months ofhospital care and chemotherapy.

Luc’s father, Justin, is the golf manager at the Wolf HollowGolf Club, located on the Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus.As a measure of gratitude he will host the inaugural Blair E.Batson/Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament Saturday.

There are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. tee times for the 4-man scramble.Entry fee is $75. A few slots remain unfilled. Smith can becontacted at 601-643-8379.

Luc’s parents spent many weeks in Jackson as their son foughtfor survival at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.Numerous nights were spent at the Ronald McDonald house so theycould be close to their son.

Smith and his wife, Kristie, received some devastating newsafter the birth of Avery Lucien (Luc) Smith. “They (doctors) toldus he wouldn’t live through the first night,” said Justin.

“When I heard this, I felt like I was having a bad dream,” saidKristie. “I just wanted someone to pinch me and wake me up.”

After much prayer and numerous surgeries, young Luc is doingremarkably well. He is currently recovering from a sixthchemotherapy treatment.

“Luc’s been in the hospital for the last two and a half weeks,”said Justin. “He has an infection in his chest. The chemotreatments weaken his immune system.”

Smith said he was hoping the doctors would give his son aone-day pass so he could be present for Saturday’s celebration. Thebirthday is a family affair, featuring a water slide and space walkfor the children and lots of golf for the adults, plus plenty ofballoons, cake and ice cream.

Each tournament participant will receive a half-dozen TitleistPro V-I golf balls and a Scotty Cameron divot repair tool.Titleist, Peoples Bank of Franklin, Huber Construction in Natchezand the American Legion Boy Scouts are sponsoring the event.

Smith said 128 golfers have registered for the scramble. Heplans to make it an annual event at the Wolf Hollow Golf Club.