Even though the surgery was more intrusive than the couple initially anticipated, they are able to see God’s provision. The oncologist assured the couple, “Had we not gone in and removed this, it would not have gone well.” Malorie Aldridge shared, “It was a very big blessing that he had to have that surgery.” Through tears and a shaking voice, Mrs. Aldridge said, “God has been so good to us. When we found out we were diagnosed, we called our people and got our prayer warriors on it and this community has just put their arms around us.” She went on to name several teams at Northwest Rankin and Brandon, the school administrators, the church, their family, and so many others who have come together to support them. She added, “Years ago, Brandon and Northwest softball teams started a ‘Playing for the Cure’ game and they are doing that in honor of KK this year.” The game will be held March 24. The tee shirts that were sold to benefit the Aldridge family had a slogan stating, “Together We Fight.” Malorie shared, “That’s exactly how we have felt. We have not felt for one second that we have gone through this journey by ourselves because of our community and how much they have loved us. That is so humbling.” Coach Aldridge continued, “I’d never wish this on anyone, but you do get to see how much people love you by the support they give you. It makes you want to beat this thing even more and get out there and continue what you’re doing.” He went on to share that he and Malorie consider the students to be their mission field and they desire to impact those students and help them become the best version of themselves. “We fully trust in God’s plan. We want God to get the glory from this whole story and whatever avenue He chooses to take us down, we just hope that it’s a platform where His light can be shone.” The couple shared about one another, “She’s been my rock. There are a lot of times where I don’t have a lot of energy, and she has stepped up and handled it all,” Coach KK said. “Days are hard, but God’s word says when we are weak, He is strong,” Malorie shared. “I’ve been clinging to the Lord and watching KK be amazing. He has taken this on with such poise, and he has not been shaken.” Looking back over 2022, it was quite a rollercoaster of a year for Coach Aldridge. He experienced everything from the extreme high of his team winning the state championship in May, to the extreme low of his diagnosis. He used the slogan “be where your feet are” with the team last year. “That was great for its purpose for baseball, to enjoy the moment you are in,” he shared. “But I was able to transfer that just a few months later to the cancer diagnosis. That’s one thing cancer will do, is allow you to not take for granted the things you have, but to focus on the things that are most important; family and relationships. Obviously, my walk with God has grown deeper. I’ve learned, be where your feet are, so you can grow to be the person that God wants you to be.” 24 • MARCH 2023
Hometown RANKIN • 25