Cancer Fundraiser: Acadiana cooks raise money for Opelousas resident
The 2026 Squirrel Cook-Off at Willie's Campground raised funds to cover the medical and travel costs of David Morrow, who is battling Stage IV kidney cancer.
By Arjun Weber ·
Cooks from across Acadiana gathered at Willie's Campground in Washington on Oct. 24 to prepare squirrel dishes for a fundraiser benefiting David Morrow. The event, organized by the Gumbo Foundation, aimed to offset the financial strain Morrow's family faces due to his Stage IV kidney cancer diagnosis.
Morrow was diagnosed in November 2025. The cancer has spread to his lungs, brain, and liver. He requires repeated trips to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for treatment. These travel demands have generated substantial expenses for gasoline, hotels, and meals. The family has relied on credit cards to cover some of these costs alongside outstanding medical bills.
Morrow stated that his primary goal for the funds is to pay the medical debts the family could not previously settle. He described the news of being selected as the beneficiary as overwhelming but positive. He added that the experience felt surreal and beautiful.
Rusty Jesclard, captain of Team Rusty Warriors, competed in the cook-off after his own cancer diagnosis three years ago. Now cancer-free, Jesclard credited the community for rallying around him during his illness. He worked with a paddle and seasoning, using a recipe passed down by his grandmother. He identified the Cajun holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery as an essential ingredient combination.
Barry Reeves, owner of Barry's 1965 restaurant in Carencro, also participated. Reeves has competed for more than a decade and contributed homemade ice cream from his restaurant. He described Morrow as a loyal friend who deserves community support. Reeves noted that a good squirrel dish requires quality gravy and tender meat.
First-time participants Mac and Priscilla Estillette of Team Southern Grudge won first place. Mac Estillette said the couple participates to help specific individuals. He emphasized that such initiatives matter because they are for someone specific.
The Gumbo Foundation, established in 2009 by Tim Marks and Jason Huguet, organizes three annual fundraisers. The idea originated after the founders participated in a gumbo cook-off. Their first event in 2009 benefited an Opelousas family with a toddler diagnosed with cancer. Morrow's daughter, Sarah Prejean, said the support from the community gives the family hope that everything will be okay.
