Time grows shorter for a Marston man in need of a heart transplant. Racked by infections, Cicero Bethea awaits an operation that his family hopes will restore his health and help him resume a more active lifestyle.

"We will have to return to Duke Hospital on Thursday and again on Monday to treat an infection," his wife Pamela said. "He has had nine operations and is on IV antibiotics. The doctors are trying to suppress these infections long enough for him to get a transplant, but once his new heart is in place the problems he's having should begin to clear up."

The Betheas must raise $1,200, the equivalent of two years worth of copays, before the hospital will operate. In an attempt to generate this amount, a fundraiser to benefit Bethea will be held Oct. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. at the corner of Produce Market Road and Caledonia Road at the Old Pool Room in Laurinburg.

Ribs, fish, chicken dinners and sandwiches will be offered, with collard greens, potato salad and cole slaw. A slice of pound cake will be included with every dinner. Bottled water and sodas will be sold for $1 each.

Dinner prices are $7 for ribs and $6 for fish and chicken. Sandwich prices are $4 for ribs and $3 for fish and chicken.

Beatrice Sams of Laurinburg is Bethea's niece.

"We encourage everyone to come participate in this fund raiser for my uncle, Cicero Bethea," Sams said. "He is a good man, and would help others if they were in need. Please come out and support this cause."

To give donations that will help offset the Betheas' medical expenses before or after the fundraiser, one may donate to the Cicero and Pamela Bethea Heart Fund at First Capital Bank in Laurinburg.