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Fair members rally behind one of their own

Luke Totzke

Community members at a county fair auction have raised an all-time record for a Michigan farm boy fighting for more than grand champion barrow.

Brian Totzke tells Brownfield his five year-old son Luke, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor this year, wanted to carry on the family tradition of exhibiting at the local fair while undergoing chemotherapy.  “He didn’t really comprehend the magnitude of what he got for his pig, but he was sure proud of his trophies and his ribbons that he got, and he said he’s excited to do it again next year.”

With the help of family friends, Luke won reserved champion market barrow during his first year as an exhibitor. At auction, community members came together bidding more than $109 per pound for the pig which will contribute almost $30,000 to Luke’s medical fund.  “My wife asked him if he was sad that the pigs had to leave and he said, ‘No, don’t worry mom, we’re going to get new ones next year.’”

Totzke says his family was one of the founding members of the Berrien County Youth Fair in the 1940s and the support they received is just one example of how the community rallies for each other.

AUDIO: Interview with Brian Totzke 

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