NEW HANOVER, BRUNSWICK and PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A poker run will take place soon to raise money for a local man with cancer.

Matt Thomas, a Hampstead father and husband, was diagnosed with leukemia in March, according to event organizers.

The poker run, scheduled for May 11, will start at Billy Goats on Market Street in Wilmington, and will stop at Slainte in Hampstead, Daddy’s Place, Flounder’s Saloon and Half Time in Leland.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Dozens of teams are getting ready for the 2013 Walk to Defeat ALS.

This year's event is taking place on Saturday April 20. Regsistration is at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m. The walk starts at 10 a.m. at UNCW's Greene Track & Field.

Finding a cure for this disease is a personal mission for my family. My brother Keith was diagnosed 4 years ago. ALS has robbed him of so many things. He can no longer move his arms or legs and barely moves one hand. Keith has recently started having trouble talking and just breathing is now difficult. it's like he is trapped inside his body, his mind is completely intact.

If you would like to help find a cure you can organize a walk team, walk with my family's team The Mad Chefs or you can make a donation, just click here.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A composer and concert pianist will hold a benefit concert later this month to benefit the non-profit Welcome Home Angel, which works to improve the quality of life for children with illness or injury in the area.

Roya Weyerhaeuser is planning the concert for March 16 at 8 p.m. at Thalian Hall.