London tattoo artist holds ribbon benefit in support of friend battling stage 4 cancer

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gene Williams was born and raised in London, working for over 40 years laying concrete before his cancer diagnosis.

“This is what I got when I found out I had cancer,” Gene told FOX 56, lifting his forearm and pointing to a tattoo of a lavender cancer ribbon with the word “hope” laid over it. By the end of July 6, dozens of community members in London will have similar ribbons to symbolize how much Gene and the fight against cancer mean to those in London who know him and have witnessed the impact of the disease firsthand.

Brad Mallory, owner of Tried and True Tattoo Parlor, opened the doors and instantly got to work with a customer already waiting to take part in the benefit.

“I’m ready to be attacked by ribbons tonight in my sleep,” Mallory said. He was the only artist working at the time, but said that since it’s his fifth or sixth benefit against cancer, he was prepared and excited to take on the day.

Tried and True has only been in its current location on Main Street for about 10 months, Gene said, but he and Mallory have been friends since they can remember.

Gene said the form of cancer he’s battling isn’t curable but can be slowed down with medicine.

“I’m just [part of] three percent of people in the state of Kentucky that have this cancer,” Gene said.

Despite the aggressiveness of the disease, Gene said more than anything, he was thankful for those who showed up to support him. He greeted those coming in to join the line with a hug and said goodbye the same way as they left.

The benefit event to support Gene will run from July 6 through July 8. Those who wish to show their support without getting a tattoo can do so through a GoFundMe set up by Mallory. More information about Tried and True Tattoo can be found here.