Rick's last battle

Former Piggott High School standout athlete Erica Rickman lost her battle with brain cancer early Tuesday morning. She was 19. Rickman, a 2007 PHS graduate, was a multi-sport star for the Lady Mohawks, excelling in volleyball, basketball and softball.

"Rick," as she was known to friends and coaches, received post-season honors in all three of the sports in which she competed at PHS, and following graduation chose to accept a scholarship to play softball at Williams Baptist College at Walnut Ridge.

In November of 2007, during her freshman year at Williams, Erica was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and began to aggressively treat the illness.

Despite the effects of the treatment, and the tumor, she remained upbeat and courageous throughout the ordeal, even when doctors indicated her prospects were bleak.

The story of Rick's battle also prompted an outpouring of support, as a number of local fundraisers were held for the Rickman family. Students at Piggott Elementary School also did their part to honor Rickman, holding a can tab drive for Ronald McDonald Houses in her name along with several fundraisers.

The students at PHS also did their part, donating the proceeds from last year's Sadie Hawkins Day fundraiser to her family. The communities of Piggott and Rector even came together in her honor, as alumni from the two schools met in a fundraising basketball game at the PHS gym last spring.

Visitation was set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott. Funeral services were scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Piggott High School gym. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was charged with the arrangements. A complete obituary will appear in next week's issue of this newspaper.