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COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced Tuesday, April 8, that they plan to host a basketball tournament to support one of their lieutenant’s families.

Lt. Anthony White’s son underwent a heart transplant surgery on April 5, CCSO said. Braylon White, 14, has had severe heart complications for seven years, according to a CCSO press release.

“The family’s journey has been filled with trials, but there is hope on the horizon.”

The sheriff’s office deputies said they are hosting a benefit basketball tournament to support Braylon’s recovery and to help his parents with the financial responsibility.

The Braylon Strong Benefit Basketball Tournament is set to be held on April 26 starting at 10 a.m. at the Coffee County-George Washington Carver Freshman Campus, CCSO said.

Teams that register by April 18 can play in the tournament for $150 per team. Spectator admission costs $5 per person. All of the proceeds will go directly to the White family, according to the sheriff’s office.

CCSO said they intend for this event to both raise funds for the White family and encourage a sense of community. They said local police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and 911 operators are welcome to join from surrounding counties to participate.

Sheriff Fred Cole said community is important in times of need, adding, “We are much like a family, and when one of us is in need, the rest of us step up and fill that need. Braylon’s second chance at life is dear to us, and we want to do everything we can to ensure the financial burden isn’t felt by our brother.”

The sheriff’s office said the winning team will get a trophy to add some friendly competition to the event.

For more information about registering a team, spectating or making a contribution to the event, CCSO said to contact Tony Ward at (912) 381-2189 or Summer Crockett at (912) 318-6935. To donate, they said to call (912) 384-4227 or stop by First National Bank of Coffee County.

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