Bubba Pope Will Give You The Shirt Off His Back

A local lady remembers when her husband had left her and their four children for her to raise on her own, and things were tight. One day there was a knock at her door, and a young man introduced himself as Bubba Pope. He asked how things were going. She said fine; she was cooking dinner. He asked, “What’s for dinner?” She replied, “biscuits.”

After inquiring if there was anything he could do to help her out, he left. Twenty minutes later, there was another knock at the door. Bubba was delivering a big bucket of fried chicken.

And that is typical behavior for Bubba Pope. Ask anyone. He’ll give you the shirt off his back. He’s been instrumental in helping Monticello Kart Racing (MKR) with its success, but mostly he just helps anyone he sees who needs help. Bubba says he has always tried to help people, and anyone will tell you he never asks for anything in return. Most people who know Bubba can tell you a story how he has helped them or someone they know.

That’s why the newspaper was contacted to do a story on Bubba. Because, now Bubba can use your help. You see, he was recently diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is in his bile ducts and liver. And, he needs your prayers. Doctors indicate it is treatable, but not necessarily curable, and Bubba got a port put in this week so he can begin chemotherapy.

Bubba is a graduate of Jasper County High School and works for Pope Lumber Company. He and Jamie live in Popeville, as the area of Hwy. 16 east is called, and they have five children, Jordana, Ellen, Skylar, Tristen, and Colton, with the last two being the only ones still at home. Colton is only six years old.

Bubba said the road to finding his cancer started when he found a lump or knot in his midsection. The doctor thought it might be a hernia. But testing revealed this rare cancer. He has insurance, and the doctor’s office has worked with him to get payments he can live with, but as anyone knows, it costs to go to and from Macon (where he will get his chemotherapy treatments), and he doesn’t know how much he’ll be able to work. In addition, there will be out-of-pocket medical expenses, so they can use some help. MKR is doing a benefit race for Bubba on January 25.

Accounts have been set up at Ameris Bank and the Bank of Monticello to help Bubba and his family. He is so gracious. He said he is trying to live life as normal as he can right now. He said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. He doesn’t know how to thank everyone.

When he’s not working or helping someone, Bubba has several talents and interests that may have to be put on the back burner briefly. He has played music since he was in high school. For the last five years, Bubba has played bass guitar for Backwoodz Branded. He said he started playing drums for a little band in high school, and took some lessons, but mostly taught himself. Then he picked up the bass. He also sings a little. He said music has been a major part of his life since he was 14.

He also has always had a need for speed. In discussing his health, he said he’s always been healthy except for self-inflicted pain. He loves to race, and he broke several vertebrae some years ago when he wrecked while racing motorcycles. He also races go-karts, and has been known to race cars. He used to have a little dragster, he said. Now he enjoys watching drag racing on television. Some of his other favorites are football—he’s a Georgia Bulldog and Dallas Cowboys fan. If no sports are on television, you may find him watching the news or old cowboy movies.

Bubba had been trying to lose a little weight until his diagnosis. Now, he may lose more than he would like with the chemo, but he may not. He said he stopped dieting when he received his diagnosis.

Right now, Bubba is facing eight treatments, then another scan to see if the cancer has been slowed. In the meantime, he appreciates your prayers, and if you have a little extra money, drop it by the bank to help out this man who believes so much in helping others.