NATCHEZ — Six dollars can buy a chicken plate on Saturday and also help secure a better chance at life for Natchez native Leonard Jackson Jr.

Doctors discovered Jackson had a brain tumor Jan. 18, and he was diagnosed with cancer, Jackson’s mother, Linda, said.

Jeannie Johnson, a friend of Linda’s who is helping to organize Saturday’s benefit from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Natchez Youth Center Pavillion, said doctors projected Jackson had three months to live without treatment.

If Jackson’s family is able to raise enough to treat the cancer, the 2004 Natchez High School graduate and former Natchez High drum major will be given a chance of at least 18 months to live, Johnson said.

Linda said Jackson also graduated from Tougaloo College, where he majored in education. In the last two years, Jackson has taught at both Robert Lewis Middle School and Natchez High School.

He is currently at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson.

Residents interested in purchasing a chicken dinner, which will include barbecue chicken, peas, cake, bread and a choice of potato salad or baked beans, can pay at the event or contact Johnson at 601-870-7087 or Wanza Turner at 601-807-5713.

If tickets sell out, donations can still be made to the Jackson family, which can be reached by calling Leonard’s father, Leonard Jackson Sr., at 601-384-6744.

“I just want to thank everybody for everything they’re doing for (Leonard Jr.) and my family,” Linda said. “God bless every body.”