ARAPAHOE — In times of tragedy, communities pull together.

That’s exactly what one Pamlico County community is doing, and it’s asking others outside the county to do the same.

Four-year-old Colt Cowell, son of Chad and Lauren Cowell of New Bern, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2016. His treatment has included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in Greenville. Cowell is now in his second phase of chemotherapy with weekly treatments, and is scheduled to complete this treatment in October.

Bethany Christian Church, of Arapahoe, which is about 15 miles away from Beaufort County’s southern border, is stepping up to help the Cowell family.

On March 18, starting at 6 p.m., the church will host a dinner/dance and silent auction to benefit the family, according to a BCC press release.

Made possible through a partnership with Pamlico Community College and the PCC Foundation, the event will feature catering by Famous Subs and Pizza and music by Billy Holton and the Soul Shakers, the release states. It will take place at the Delamar Center on Pamlico Community College’s campus.

Colt’s mother Lauren Cowell could not be reached for comment on this story. However, after his surgery in August 2016, she thanked well-wishers and asked for prayers in a social media post.

“The odds are in our favor with removal of almost all, if not all, of the tumor. And with God in absolute control. He is going to protect, heal, and give us the strength & peace we need for this journey and what’s ahead of us. God is going to see us through to the very end,” Cowell wrote. “We feel all of your prayers. They are working and please keep them coming.”

Tickets for the dinner/dance are $40 per adult and $15 for children 12 years and under. Children 4 years old and under will be admitted free.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Bethany Christian Church at 252-249-0266.