Charles and Tammy live in Rowan County, off of Bringle Ferry Road.Tammy is an office manager for Gentiva Home Health and Charles had in the past years taken on debt by starting a tree cutting business calledChuck “the Woodchuck” Tree Service Tammy has health insurance on both of them, but b/c he is self-employed there are limitations.

In July 2011 Charles was involved in an accident that left his leg mangled and had to go through surgery and rehab to recovery. When he was released, Charles was quick to go back to work and take care of his business. On December 2, 2011 during routine tree topping, something went terribly wrong by a seasoned employee and a limb weighting aprox 200lbs was cut and accidently fell on Charles who was working on the ground below. This tree fell approx. 30 feet and landed on Charles’s skull exposing his brain tissue. When the limb hit Charles he fell face down and this resulted in facial fx and a C1 fx in his neck. He was airlifted to Baptist Hospital and they did not expect him to live through the night and had Tammy call all the family in from out of state. When he made it 24 hours the hospital proceeded with every effort to save him.

He has brainstem function but no Cortex. He is presently at Baptist awaiting Carolina Rehab placement.Another big concern is a decubiti ulcer that he has developed giving him osteomyelitis. Charles still has a trachea, feeding tube and is on medication to stimulate the brain. He has made some progress: Follows with eyes, processing words with blinking and squeezing. He can move his fingers and left foot.

Tammy has been on FLMA for almost 12 weeks with no pay. The immediate concern Tammy has is making her house payments. Because Charles was self-employed he did not have workers comp and the bills are becoming astronomical. Tammy is trying to sell the equipment they have, but establishing a guardianship with the court has to take place and that takes time. But has been told by the court system that the money for the equipment can only be used to pay those loans off and cannot be used for the house or other utilities.

Charles and Tammy are very active in Christian activities. They had started a Drug Rehab Ministry for young men “Grace Recovery Center” and have helped many troubled men find God and have a successful rehab, Visit Charles’ web site to read his life testimony at gracerecoverycenter.org. Tammy is a former co-worker of mine and I can honestly say she is one of the kindest human beings I have ever known and has the faith of God in her heart.

Thanks, Lisa Grubb

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2nd Recipient TDK 2012

James (Jimmy) Martin, he is 54 years old and is a resident of Denton. His siblings are Kathy Crowell, Teresa Parker, Sheila Garner, Karen Pierce, Scott Martin, Jeff Martin, and Pam Fee. He is the son of Jim and Janell Martin. He has been married to his wife Karen for 34 years. Together they have 3 daughters Jennifer, Andrea and Tara. They also have 9 grandchildren.

He has Wegener's disease, which is an uncommon disorder that

causes inflammation of your blood vessel, which in turn restricts blood flow to various organs. This has caused him to develop kidney failure, resulting in anemia. He has been in and out of High Point Regional Hospital mutliple times in the past several years and has had to recieve multiple blood transfusions due to anemia. He also has recieved chemotherapy and radiation for the treatment of Wegener's disease. He was recently admitted to High Point Regional Hospital on 1/17/12 and now transferred to Chapel Hill.

He is currently battling 2 different types of rare fungal pneumonias. Immunosuppression

from kidney failure and anemia has caused him to develop these fungal pneumonias.

His prognosis at this time is uncertain, and doctors are telling him and our family that

he will "have to fight" if he wants to live. On top of his current health problems he also

struggles with COPD and congestive heart failure. He is currently unemployed and has

not been approved to recieve disability benefits at this time.

James "Jimmy" Martin 

(June 11, 1957 - March 9, 2012) 

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Mr. James “Jimmy” Melvin Martin, age 54, of Vanhoy Drive, Denton died Friday, March 9, 2012 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

Funeral service for Mr. Martin , March 15 at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Marshburn officiating. Burial in the Goodwill Christian Church Cemetery..

Mr. Martin was born June 11, 1957 in Ontario County, New York to James Melvin and Janell Hamilton Martin. He had worked in the textile industry and attended Landmark Pentecostal Holiness church.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen Vanhoy Martin of the home, daughters, Jennifer Martin and friend Allen Bond of Denton, Andrea Martin and friend Joe Powell of Southmont and Tara Martin Kennedy and husband Lee of Thomasville, his parents, James and Janell Martin of Denton and grandchildren, Kaelyn Bond, Austin Bond, Hayden Kennedy, Nick Kennedy, Kelley Kennedy, Tyler Kennedy, Keleigh Hunter, Katie Hunter and Lucas Powell. He is also survived by brothers, Jeffery Martin and wife Faye of Denton and Scott Martin and wife Celena of Denton, sisters, Kathie Crowell and husband Michael of Denton, Teresa Parker and husband Tim of Lexington, Shelia Garner and husband Danny of Denton, Karen Pierce and husband Gil of Denton and Pam Fee of Denton. . Memorials may be made to UNC Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or to Forsyth Medical Center Foundation, 3333 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Kris J. Hickey - President 2012

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Elisha Cox Skeen Recipient TDK 2013

Kris J. Hickey - TDK President 2013

Fourteen years and still rolling…still growing…still improving…and still making a difference in someone’s life. That’s Tour de Kale.

The Tour de Kale has evolved over the past fourteen years into an extremely well executed and highly anticipated event in the cycling and running world. Riders from all over the southeast mark off the third Saturday in June for this premiere event. Riders and runners return year after year, catching up with old friends and making new ones all for the sake of helping someone in their time of need.

Tour de Kale is a benefit bike ride with benefits. TDK was founded in February 2000, by a group of friends who envisioned hosting a benefit bike ride and 5K run to help raise money to cover the medical expenses of namesake Kale Watkins after a skiing accident left him paralyzed. The event has continued to grow thanks to dedicated riders who are willing to go the extra mile and raise money for this wonderful cause.

TDK drew an amazing response right from the get-go and continues to be a superbly organized event with very scenic routes, awesome support from local volunteers, and a good lunch at the end of the ride. Members of the Tour de Kale committee work diligently throughout the year to ensure that the Tour de Kale remains one of the best rides and run in the Southeast. Joe Hutchins, of Clemmons, NC and an eleven-year veteran of TDK says, “This is my favorite event of the year. I met Kale my first year riding and he is my inspiration.” Kale remains the inspiration for the event and the reason behind the day. Tour de Kale’s only goal is to promote fitness and help others who are less fortunate.

This year approximately 340 cyclist participated in the event and TDK was well represented with riders from over 15 teams. Chair City Cyclist, headquartered in Thomasville, NC and owned and operated by Lynn Staley turned out huge for TDK. They brought the most the most riders with just under 30. VeloShine was next in line with another large group as always.

Winners in the men’s division include first place by Ryan Jenkins of Team Classic Cycling. Ryan is one of the best cyclist in the southeast having won almost every long distance mountain ride multiple times and every road race that exists. He is also an extremely accomplished time trailer.

Second place went to Chris Harkey of VeloShine Men’s Team. Chris is a multi-time National Champion. Third place went to two-time National Champion Scottie Weiss (USA), 2013 Assault on Mt. Mitchell Champion. Fourth place went to Jacob Arnold and fifth place went to Luke Sagur.

Lori Harkey was the women’s Summit Challenge winner. She is an extremely strong rider from VeloShine who has won many races over the past few years. Second place went to Arynn Schloemer of Bicycle Toy and Hobby. Third place went to Keli McDowell. Both of these ladies are accomplished riders and recently finished second and third in last year’s Bridge to Bridge.

The 5k run was a huge success this year with 254 runners up 100 runners from last year. The format was changed for the first time this year to incorporate a “Glow Run” and volunteers and cheer groups lined the street encouraging the runners. Special thanks to Mike Lanier and his Boy Scout Troop, Amanda Russell and her Girl Scout Troop, and Nancy Martin and The Horseman’s Association for organizing these cheer groups.

Peter Asciutto, owner of Vac and Dash in Albemarle really helped promote the event and the “Tour de Kale Band” entertained the crowd in Harrison Park. Winners from the race received a cash prize and a plaque. Women’s first place winner was Jennifer Parks at 20:09. Second place went to Shannon Davis at 20:32, and third place went to Connie Eckman at 24:48. In the men’s division first place went to Seth Utley at 17:59, second place went to Will Mitchell at 18:06, and third place went to Joe Sauerbrey at 18:17.

A complete listing of results along with addition photos can be found at www.tourdekale.com.  

TourdeKale 2014 --  Kris J. Hickey - TDK President 2014

Get on Your Bikes and Ride

By Kelly Bledsoe

kellybledsoe@triad.rr.com

Get your cycles ready and your running shoes on… the weather looks perfect for the 15th annual Tour De Kale!  Volunteers and participants are geared up for the annual Tour De Kale events, set for Saturday, June 21 at the Denton FarmPark and in downtown Denton, and you can still register for both events. There is no better way to spend your Saturday than participating in the TDK.

Now in its 15th year, Tour De Kale includes a variety of cycling courses on Saturday morning departing from the FarmPark, as well as a 5K Glow Run that same evening starting and ending at Harrison Park in downtown Denton. All events are open to anyone who wishes to participate.

The event promises amazing views from high atop High Rock Mountain in the Springs for those participating in the Summit Challenge. Other riders will enjoy routes through beautiful southern Davidson County, and everyone is bound to have a good time at the best-supported ride in the southeast.

Included in all routes options is a minimum of at least one rest stop. Most routes have stops every 12-15 miles; FULL SAG Wagon support; motorcycle escorts; professional timing system available to all riders on all routes; all major intersections staffed by local fire departments for traffic control; ice cold beverages and ice cold towels handed out at rest stops and at the finish line to all riders; all participants receive free meal ticket for BBQ pork or chicken cooked onsite; all participants receive a free Tour de Kale T-shirt; group rates for teams or groups of 8 or more; and riders in the 135k Summit Challenge get the chance to climb one of the hardest and steepest grades East of North Wilkesboro.

In addition, this year TDK organizers have thrown in a couple more turns, and an extra hill or two in the Summit Challenge route and a few more miles (about 10) into the front of the ride to make it a little more exciting getting to the base of The Summit. Don’t worry though, they took some miles off the back of the ride to insure riders will still get back to the FarmPark in time to get that ice cold towel and enjoy the delicious BBQ with the usual TDK mileage on your odometer.

Walk up registration starts at 6:30am at the Denton FarmPark. The 135k Summit Challenge and 110k rides leave at 8am. All other rides leave at 8:30am. You can also register on line at www.tourdekale.com.

The 2nd Annual Twilight Glow Run is Saturday evening. The inaugural 5k glow run was such a hit with the participants last year TDK organizers decided to bring it back again this year. The run leaves from Harrison Park in downtown Denton and follows a trail of luminaries along the entire course with runners wearing neon glow sticks to light the way.

Walk up registration starts at 7:30pm in Harrison Park. The 5k race starts at 9pm sharp. You can also register online at www.tourdekale.com.

Tour de Kale is a benefit bike ride with benefits. Each year TDK strives to make a difference for the beneficiaries and their families. This year is no different. The volunteers of Tour de Kale are committed to giving their best efforts to help these families with their financial burdens. In addition to helping Steve Peele and Wendy Martin, the 2014 beneficiaries, TDK organizers are raffling off a beach weekend trip to benefit the Chad Kirkendall family. Make sure to enter for a chance to win a relaxing weekend at Holden Beach.

Once again the Flagship sponsor for the 2014 Tour de Kale is Loflin Fabrication of Denton, with Novant Health participating as a major sponsor as well. Novant Health is a very appreciated Platinum Sponsor and TDK is grateful for their support. Other platinum sponsors include: Denton FarmPark, Spryngs and High Rock Hosiery, and Scott’s Electric is supporting the 5k Glow Run.

Gold level sponsors include: Chapel Hill UMC, Chappell Tree Service, Town of Denton, Denton Lions Club, The Denton Orator, Deric and Melisa Skeen, John and Margaret Herke, Larry Furr Enterprises, Lineberry UMC, RP and Penny Hughes, Scott and Amy Yates, The Springs, Todd Nance, Chris and Sheri Skeen, Tracey and Rhea Auman, Village Printing, Bethel Baptist Church Denton, and Skinny Wheels.

Silver level sponsors include: Cheerwine, John and Sarah Grice, First and Canaan UMC Churches, BEEM Developmental Services (Anderson & Hickey Families), Steven and Lisa Grubb, Murrow’s Transfer, Inc., Nathan and Dawn Johnson, Scott’s Electric, First Bank, BLM Portables, Andrea Duncan, NH Med Services, Ultra-Mek, Alcoa, Lee Compton, Ronnie and Virginia Harrison, Jed’s BBQ, and Stephanie Baxter Massage Therapy.

Other key sponsors include Sleigh Ride and Run, Saddles and Spokes and Spin4life.

 TDK is extremely grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers who give so much each year. The event just would not be possible without their commitment and dedication.

The two beneficiaries for the 2014 Tour de Kale are Steve Peele and Wendy Martin.

Steve Peele is a 50 year old resident of Denton.

He is a severe diabetic. In 2011 he had his left lower leg amputated due to PAD (Peripheral artery disease) due to diabetes. During the last 3 years he has been in and out of hospitals. Several by-pass surgeries have been done trying to open veins to his legs in hopes of saving his right leg. He has recently had a fistula fixed in his right arm in preparation for dialysis as his kidneys are failing. The fistula failed after only 6 months because the vein became blocked. Another fistula was then fixed in his left arm with hopes of it still working when the time for dialysis comes. In Early January 2014 Steve suffered a mild heart attack. He continues to have blockages over his entire body but nothing can be done due to the lack of good veins. So the medical bills continue to build.

Wendy Martin is a 57 year old resident of Denton.

She is married to Rodney Martin. Wendy is the mother of 3 grown children, Cassie, Courtney, and Carlie. She is also the grandmother of 6. In July of 2013 Wendy was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Disease. After receiving her diagnosis, she underwent 16 Chemotherapy Treatments. During her treatments she endured several hospital stays due to complications and infections. She received her final treatment on January 22, 2014. On March 4, 2014 Wendy underwent a Mastectomy. She began radiation treatments in late April and has now completed 20 out of a total of 30 treatments. Wendy is employed at Jed’s BBQ in Asheboro and currently unable to work. Her husband, Rodney, is unable to work as well, due to illness and recent back surgeries.

TourdeKale 2015 --  Kris J. Hickey - TDK President 2015                  TourdeKale 2015 Overview Here................

Gabriel and Drew are the recipients and will each receive 50% of the proceeds from the 2015 Tour De Kale.

Gabriel Davis

   Gabriel was born on May 3, 1987 and raised in Denton NC. He attended South Davidson High School where he graduated in 2003. Gabriel later helped coach the girl’s varsity basketball team at South Davidson.

After graduating from high school, Gabriel attended college at UNC Charlotte. He then attended Queens University where he graduated in 2008 with a RN Nursing degree.

Gabriel has worked in several hospitals during his career. He worked in the emergency room at Thomasville Medical Center. Gabriel most recently worked at Carolina’s Medical Center in Charlotte where he was employed at the time of his accident. He worked in the trauma center, operating room and emergency room there.

Even though Gabriel had a busy schedule with college and later his nursing career, he still gave his time at Providence Baptist Church working with the youth soccer program. He continued to do this up until his accident.

Gabriel was an avid bike rider. He started a bike club in Charlotte that met every Thursday. Gabriel enjoyed other interests as well that included spending time at the lake riding his Sea-Doo and kayaking.

Gabriel loves to travel. He has traveled to Europe twice, been to California and rode a train to New York. During his travels, Gabriel shared his friendly outgoing personality with everyone he met and formed many friendships. Still today, many of these friends from those countries and across the U. S. still make an effort to stay in touch and keep current with Gabriel’s health condition that has resulted from his car accident.

Gabriel was in a very bad car accident on May 14, 2014. He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that has left him totally disabled and dependent on someone else for his every need. Gabriel requires 24/7 care and supervision. Needless to say, some of the care and supervision he needs requires payment.

The costs associated with Gabe’s care are growing. His father had to have a wheelchair ramp built in order to get him in and out of the house. The entire front room of his father’s house has been transformed into a “hospital like” room to help provide Gabe’s needs. Along with the hospital bed, his father also had to purchase one of the medical alternating air mattresses to keep Gabriel comfortable. Because Gabe cannot move on his own, the alternating air mattress provides the movement to help prevent pressure points and keep him comfortable.

The bathroom door in his father’s home had to be reconstructed in order to allow room for Gabe’s wheelchair. Even with the door expansion, a special shower still needs to be added that will allow room for him to be pushed in for a shower. This is something that is currently being worked on as funds permit. There will be many costs associated with future home reconstruction as needed in order to continue to provide and accommodate for Gabriel’s special needs.

Whenever Gabriel has a doctor appointment, his father has to hire a special needs van and driver to take him back and forth. The van is set up to transport Gabe safely and comfortably while he is in his wheelchair. The round trip travel costs associated with one doctor’s appointment is very high. Gabriel’s father needs to purchase a van that is equipped properly so that he can take Gabe back and forth to his doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments without all the costs and delays associated with hiring a van and driver.

There are many out-of-pocket costs associated with Gabe’s care that are small but necessary. Things used to give him a bath and hygiene care as well as clothing needs and special eating accommodations adds costs to the bottom line daily. Although some of these costs may be small, they add up to be costs that are hard to meet at times while trying to also provide Gabriel’s bigger needs.

Drew Hill

   Drew had a severe seizure and was taken to Thomasville Medical Center on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014. After a CT scan, we were told he had a brain tumor and he was transported to Forsyth Medical Center. An MRI revealed a “grapefruit sized” tumor in his right frontal lobe. He had surgery on June 26, 2014 and was diagnosed with Grade 3 Oligoastrocytoma Brain Cancer. They were unable to remove the entire tumor because it was too close to his motor-strip and could cause permanent damage to his left side. He underwent 6 weeks of radiation and then started chemo one week a month, which he will take for 12-18 months. His chemo dr wanted Drew to go to Duke for a second opinion, but because he has no insurance they will not see him. He has not been released to drive or work due to his continued chemo and because he still takes seizure medication three times a day. He is the father of a 5 month old son, Daylin Conner Hill.

Although Mike was not chosen as a beneficiary this year, we are conducting a ticket raffle and all proceeds from the raffle will benefit Mike.

Mike Irby

   Mike grew up in the mountains of NC, Brevard was my home. Graduated from Brevard Sr High and went on to Brevard Jr College before joining the Navy, served from 1967-1971. Met my wonderful wife in Brevard, we were married in 1967. 2 children & 5 grandchildren later we now reside in Denton NC. Worked at United Brass Works Inc. in Randleman for 26 years before retiring as Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

My wife is Fran Irby-ran Papa’s Pizza for years and she was a sub teacher. Daughter Sandy Lewis-Married to Billy Lewis Jr. Her two children are Ethan Amstutz and Ashley Amstutz. Son David Irby worked for the Denton Police Dept. for 5 years works at Thermo now. His wife is Rebecca Irby. His 3 boys are Joshua Irby, Caleb Irby, and Dustin Rosenbaum. We all live in Denton and all 5 grandkids graduated from South. I also Pastor a church, True Worship Church of Denton and my son David is the Assistant Pastor.

As most of you know I’ve battled Cancer/MDS for the past 7+ years. I’ve been on different drugs-chemo for the past 5 years. Each has worked for 2 years or so then it quits. I’m starting a new one Monday which at this time looks like the last one that will help me. Had to have a dual port put in today for it. We went and talked to the Bone Marrow Replacement team Thursday, Fran, my Sister Donna and me. Donna, we are hoping will be a match. She was tested Thursday and we should know in about three weeks. When we end up going the transplant route Fran and I are going to need some help. Along with your prayers we dearly covet we will also need finical help! We found out after the transplant I will have to stay in Durham for about 90 days. Have to go to the Bone Marrow Clinic daily and be closely monitored. It has come down to having this done or my time on this old Earth is coming to a close. But I do know, if I go or if I stay, I’m a WINNER either way! My Lord and savior Jesus Christ has promised me a place with him and that’s good enough for me. Naturally I’d love to stick around here a while longer and pester Fran and David and Sandy and all the grandkids. But that won’t happen without the transplant. That’s where y’all come in. They are going to set up an account to help pay the bills, I’ll get back with you later on that but the Apartment they want me to stay in is $2800 a month and my insurance pays ZERO of that. Did I mention I NEED HELP! $2800 X 3 months=$8400! Once the account is set up, as you can see every penny will help! More to come later, not big on airing my health issues to everyone but I’m learning, we ain’t on no island down here. Godspeed to all and keep those Prayers coming!

Needless to say, medical bills-expenses have been mounting these past 7+ years and with the Bone Marrow Transplant looming we need help. God Speed to you and your wonderful organization.

Mike Irby

Brandon and Mary are the recipients and will each receive 50% of the proceeds from the 2016 Tour De Kale.

    Brandon Boyles

      Brandon grew up in Denton and graduated from South Davidson High in 2009. He attended DCCC where he earned his degree in firefighting & emergency medicine. He has volunteered for Denton & Healing Springs fire depts. as well as Davidson County Rescue Squad. He worked as a paramedic for MEDIC in Charlotte from 2011 until May 2014. At that time he sustained a major shoulder injury, was then diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and was then diagnosed with Grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare form of brain cancer. There is currently no cure for this kind of cancer. After surgery he had 6 weeks of radiation and chemo, and will have to take chemo once a month for at least a year. He has to make multiple trips monthly to Chapel Hill and frequently has to go the emergency room for headaches and possible seizures. There are enormous out of pocket expenses for medical bills, medicine and travel costs.

   Mary Eason Hughes

Mary was born and raised in Denton and graduated from South Davidson High School.  In December 2013, Mary was not feeling well. She had been sick for several weeks. She went to the doctor and was misdiagnosed with h-pilorio. Although she felt better, after many more months and several tests she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May of 2014. Chemo began shortly after her diagnosis but nearly killed her. Mary has a rare blood mutation that does not accept many types of chemo. She spent many weeks in Baptist hospital recovering. Finally the doctors were able to find a treatment that her body was suited for. After chemo was finished she went through radiation treatments. When these treatments were going on she rarely complained. All she would ask for were prayers. In May of 2015, Mary was in remission.

In June of 2015 she developed an infection in her sacrum bone.  This was extremely painful for her and she was unable to work. Mary was employed at Walmart in Lexington. They were great about working with her during her treatments and welcomed her back with open arms as she recovered but she lost her job on June 30th 2015. Shortly after, her house went into foreclosure and sadly they lost their home. They were able to find an apartment nearby so their son Zachary was able to continue attending Central Davidson High School.

Thanksgiving 2015, she was diagnosed again. The cancer had returned in her sacrum. Since this diagnosis, Mary has had to spend more time in the hospital taking chemo, but with little effect. Radiation and surgery are not an option at this time. Mary has developed several more complications due to the colon cancer including a blood infection. At the moment Mary is in Baptist Cancer Center in severe pain. Her team of doctors are doing their best to decide how to treat her. Her husband is fortunate to have a great employer that allows him to be with her, but he’s not being paid.

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TDK,a non-profit organization

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE CHECKS ARE TO Canaan UMC / TDK FUND

TDK c/o Sheri Skeen

726 Mountain Shore Drive

Denton, NC 27239

TDK, a non-profit organization fundraiser benefit Bicycle, Run and Walk event. Our only goal is to promote fitness and help others who are less fortunate than us.  A Fund-raising event for hardship medical cases in the Denton NC community      Vist TourdeKale website   --   View TourdeKale Photo Gallery