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Tour de Kale was founded in February 2000, a group of Kale Watkins friends saw fitting to host a benefit bike ride and
5K run to help raise money to cover Kale Watkins medical expenses after a skiing accident that left him paralyzed in
Feb 2000. a Denton native . Because Kale had always been (and continues to be) an outdoor enthusiast. The event was a
major success, raising nearly $80,000 in 2000.Thanks to riders like yourself 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 and executed event. Very scenic, awesome support, good lunch. All Riders Welcome.
A Fund-raising event for hardship medical cases in the Denton NC community raising over $50,000.00 ea year.
Chris Skeen pres. 2000
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2001 TDK gang joined forces to help not only Kale but another Denton Family who can use our support.In 2001 we
decided to include the Ricky Harris family as recipients of the benefits of the TDK.Mark and Michael Harris,twins of
Denton,were born with a congenital heart disease.Their hospital bills are astronomical.2001 TDK raised $65,000.
Chris Skeen pres. 2001
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2002 TourDeKale non-profit benefit: Leslie"Punkin"Gallimore
Punkin was diagnosed with a spinal disorder,called syringomyelia,in 1992.
TDK June 15,2002 Raised Over $46,966.00
Chris Skeen pres. 2002
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2003 TDK Recipients: Neal Morris * Raleigh Ward
TDK 2003 raised apprx $50,000.00 June 21! WOW
Thanks to ALL that came to the Event and the SUPPORT.
Kelly Lambeth pres. 2003
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2004 Recipient Jessica Cook *
Jessica is suffering from a very rare condition known as Hemangioma Syndrome. After 19 surgeries, her family is trying
desperately to save enough money for a specialist in Little Rock, Arkansas to do a very successful procedure on Jessica.
This condition is characterized by outward tumors, that not only have severely disfigured Jessica, but also can grow in
other organs, such as liver, kidneys, lungs and brains. Cardiovasular events very likely accompany this condition because
of blood clotting abnormalities. TDK Raised $47,508.00 Photos.....
Chris Skeen pres. 2004
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2005 Chip Peacock went into Baptist Hospital on December 8th 2004 and under went 10 hours of surgery to remove
tumors on his pancreas. The doctors ended up taking out half of his pancreas part of his stomach and part of his intestines
and doing reconstruction surgery internally.On December 22nd Chip had 2 more hours of surgery to remove a puss pocket
where an infection was. Chip was put on life support between Christmas and January 1st for a few days due to complications
after surgery. Chip remains on a ventilator and is having trouble with his lungs. He has semi good days and very bad days.
He is very critical. Just taking it day by day.Chip will be in the hospital for several more months when he gets out of ICU. He
will have to learn to walk, talk, and write again. He has a very long tough road ahead. He will also be out of work for at least
one year.Chip is married to LaRonda Surratt and they have three children. Josh age 14 (boy) Brooke age 7 (girl) Alex age 4
(girl)
This year the Tour de Kale committee has determined that its namesake is to be the recipient of part of the funds raised.
Kale Watkins, left a quadriplegic in a skiing accident several years ago, is in dire need of extensive repairs to his specially
equipped van or a replacement. TDK 2005 Raised $47,000.00 Photos.....
Chris Skeen pres. 2005
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2006 , 2 recipients for TDK, raised $50,000.00 for:
[1]Leslie Punkin Gallimore was diagnosed with a spinal disorder,called syringomyelia,in 1992 - Tour de Kale 2002 was for
Punkin and he Needs TDK and your help again in 2006. He lives in Denton.
[2] JIMMY LANIER AGE - 49
WIFE - FRANCES CHILDREN - 4 ( 29,28,23,15 )
LIVES IN TIlE NEW HOPE COMMUNITY - ALL HIS LIFE
WORKED AT BLACK &; DECKER UNTIL IT CLOSED WORKED AS TRUCK DRIVER
JIMMY WENT TO DOCTOR WITH A KIDNEY STONE (SEVERAL KIDNEY STONES PRIOR)
Derrick Skeen pres. 2006
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2007
Beneficiary - Devon Alexander O'Quinn
Birth Date - 5/25/2004
Parents: Billy & Ryan O'Quinn
Brothers/Sisters: Justin, Chloe, and Luke
Diagnosed With Acute Lyphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Was in/out of the hospital during the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Has had multiple spinal taps and bone marrow
removals. They blast his spinal fluid with chemotherapy once per week. He has to take chemo orally by day. Is on high
dosage of steroids.
After 1 month of treatment, his Leukemia is in remission. He is in the third stage of treatments and will have to go one time
per week for the next three years for treatment in at WFU Baptist Brenner's Children Center.
UPDATE: April 15, 2007
Remember Devon in prayer. He has been back in the hospital with an infection. Any type of infection can give him a setback
. He is back home now and doing well. Keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
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Beneficiary: Kelly Lambeth , Married to Kenneth Lambeth - Son is Brock Jester - Local Hair Stylist - Former Tour de Kale
President
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer with metastasis in the bone and brain, …whole body disease.
Mrs. Kelly Lambeth, 44, of 285 Cranford Road, Denton, died Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at The Cancer Treatment Centers of
America in Tulsa, OK.
Born November 5, 1962, in Davidson County, NC, Mrs. Lambeth was the daughter of the late Herbert and Linda Carol
Fergerson. She was a hairdresser and enjoyed fishing. She was a loving wife, mother and “Maw-Maw” and was the
“Number One” baseball fan for her family.
Scott Yates pres. 2007
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2008 - TourdeKale 2008 ride photos - 5k run photos
Sherry Glover Down is one of Tour de Kale recipients for 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 7, 2008.
She is undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy three weeks apart to shrink the tumor before having a mastectomy.
An implanted port has been placed for the administration of chemotherapy and a PET scan revealed two suspicious lymph
nodes. A biopsy of the lymph nodes will be done when the mastectomy is performed. Surgery will be followed with
additional chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Sherry has driven a truck for nineteen years and is employed with Anderson Trucking. According to her physician she
will not be able to work for at least a year. After taking twelve weeks of family/medical leave the company will no longer
pay for her medical insurance. She has many bills to pay i.e., medical co pays, health insurance premiums, groceries, utilities,
rent, etc.
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Nancy Towery is one of Tour de Kale recipients for 2008, Nancy has been a volunteer worker of TDK for 8 yrs. since the
beginning in 2000. She helps operate a rest stop for TDK, representing Wesleyan Child Development Center where she
has been the Director since it’s opening in 1995. Half of the proceeds from TDK will go to Nancy to help pay off out
standing Hospital and Doctor bills from her late husband Doug, who died suddenly in 2007 with no medical insurance.
Kale Watkins pres. 2008 TDK raised $50,000.00
in Memory of Ervin Watkins, June 28,1947 - Jan 13, 2008 - Ervin Watkins Memorials may be made to the
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2009 Chris Singleton 1 of TourDeKale 2009 Recipients Photo Gallery
Did you ever think that hard work and paying your way would work against you? That seems to be what has happened
to my brother. Although having juvenile diabetes Chris has worked since he was 15years old and many of those years he
worked 2 jobs. Until Oct 07 he worked in maintentance and traveled and worked 16 hour days 7 days a week. He begin
having trouble with his eyes and in October of 07 he was to have surgery to help prevent losing much of his sight he was to
be out of work a week, he has never been able to return to work. That 1 surgery has lead to numerous surgeries and now he
has been labeled legally blind. Chris had short term disablity with his job but they did not offer long term, so once that
benefit ran out he was faced with no job, no income and no insurance and mounting dr. bills and many monthly prescriptions
to fill. With Dr.'s encouragement we filed for permanent disablity for Chris. In the meantime we approached many avenues
for him to get help, he sold his vehicle to help pay bills and I was fortunate enough to be able to help him for the year he was
without income. I had contacted our congressman and he was working on Chris's disability case and we just prayed. On
September of 08 I received a phone call from congressman Cobles secretary,Chris had been approved for permanent
disability.In only 9 months and no court hearing, this is unheard of.Tell me prayer doesn't work. I was also told he would be
receiving a medicaid card.Wow prescriptions filled for a mere 3 dollars. As told he received his card and his monthly check.
A simple letter has now changed everything. His disabilty check is based on how much Chris paid in and because he had
worked like he did and earned what he earned he now draws to much money to be eligable for medicaid and can not be
considered for medicare for 2 years. this is how he views that working hard for so many years is now hurting him. Chris
draws a check of 1,100 a month but just his prescriptions and supplies for his insulin pump costs 2,457 a month,this is not
including his 2-4 Dr. visits a week or the surgeries he has to have which have averaged 1 a month nor does this count for the
many vitamins supplements and supplies he has to have for the complications that have emerged from the diabetes.
Chris has always been a good person but in March of 08 he comitted his life to God and has reached out to help so many
people less fortunate than he is. God shut the bad doors that was in his life and has opened many new doors for him. And
we know that God will bring a solution to this finacial hurdle in his life.
write-up by His sister ,Faith Martin
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1 of TourDeKale 2009 Recipients
Denise Haltom was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and had most of her intestinal track removed over the Christmas
holiday. She is now unable to work. She is on 17 different prescriptions, some of which insurance will not pay. She is taking
chemotherapy treatments every other week until July and iron treatments every week. Much of her time is spent at the
hospital and her medical bills are mounting quickly, placing a huge financial strain on her family. Despite the stress Denise
remains optimistic.
Denise faces her disease head on with admirable courage and conviction. Wife to George Haltom and mother of Mark
and Brittany, she is an inspiration to those around her and a well-deserved recipient of Tour de Kale’s assistance.
by: orator
Kris J. Hickey - President, TDK 2009 raised $38,000.00
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active little girl who enjoys school, playing softball and spending time with her family and friends. Courtney
was born with complex Gastrointestinal issues which limit her independence. She had endured several different
surgeries since her birth to correct the complications and has since been in/out of hospitals for illness as issues
continue to arise. These surgeries are a surmounting financial concern for her family. This summer Courtney
has been scheduled for a surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for another surgery with an expert in the field
of Gastrointestinal complications in children. In this time mom has lost her job and insurance coverage and the
family will have to look into a Cobra Policy which is extremely expensive as Single Policy Insurance Companies
will not cover Courtney because of her medical history. The surgery will hold many financial implications for the
family, however the surgery is deemed a necessity for Courtney to gain her independence and enjoy all activities
little girls participate in Courtney is a blessing to her community and a much deserved recipient for
Tour de Kale’s financial support.
neighbors with Kale. Mark and Missy will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary this year and have made
their home in Denton. They have 3 children Cody and Tori (that attend South Davidson) and Cory who graduated
from South. They also have 2 grandsons.
It has been 3 years since she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Peritoneal Cancer.
The family was on vacation in Orlando Florida and early-on Missy became extremely ill. She was transported
from their resort to a local hospital and after a day or so the doctors delivered the devastating news.
Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the abdomen. Treatment for peritoneum cancer varies
depending on a number of factors such as what stage the cancer is in, how extensively the cancer has
metastasized and the patient’s overall general health.
Missy was diagnosed with stage 4 and immediately had surgery. She began her cancer treatments at
Wake Forest and about a year ago after lengthy research, decided to turn to the Cancer Center of America
in Chicago for more advanced treatment options. She has been in chemotherapy since she was diagnosed
and now every month she flies to Chicago. The doctors there specialize in treating more complex and advanced
stage cases. Collectively her care team helps her fight cancer while also helping her to maintain her overall
well being. She not only receives chemotherapy but nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicines, oncology
rehabilitation, mind-body medicine and spiritual support.
Missy had to leave her position as Phlebotomist at Corner Stone Health Care in High Point when she was
diagnosed and has not been able to work since. Mark works as a team supervisor at Thomas Built Buses.
You can imagine the extra expenses they have incurred while trying to save her life. She has more than 10
prescriptions monthly, flights monthly to Chicago (which she has to have a companion with her), food and
lodging while there, and the mounting medical bills from Florida to Chicago and many hospitals in between.
Medical insurance does not cover everything associated with this catastrophic illness.
Missy Bean, one of TDK recipients for this year passed away 4/13/2010. Got some e-mails from people and ask
TDK how it will now work as far as Beneficiary: Beneficiary is chosen by individuals and their families so 50%
of the proceeds will still go to Mark and his family. Thank You from TDK
Mrs. Melissa Darlene Tiller Bean, 43, a resident of 781 Clarksbury Church Road, died Tuesday morning,
April 13, 2010 in the High Point Regional Hospital. She was born February 10, 1967 in Buchanan County,
Virginia, a daughter of Walter Ralph Tiller and Darlene Adams Tiller. She was employed with Cornerstone
Health Care in Jamestown. Mrs. Bean was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Denton and the WMU
Ladies Circle of the church. She loved making crafts and spending time with her grandchildren.
On June 27, 1997 she was married to Mark Bean, who survives of the home. Also surviving are a
daughter, Victoria Needham of the home; sons, Cory Deel and Cody Deel, both of Denton; her mother,
Darlene A. Tiller of Lexington; grandchildren, Coy Deel and Colby Deel; brothers, Anthony Tiller and
wife Jeri of Trinity and Chris Tiller and wife Laura of Lexington; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services
held Friday, April 16, 2010 at 3 P.M. in Faith Baptist Church in Denton, with Rev. Freddie Moretz
officiating.. The family request memorials be directed to Faith Baptist Church, 4518 Shiptontown Road,
Denton, N.C. 27239Kris J. Hickey - President 2010*********************************************************************************************************************** 2011 TDK Recipients Photo Gallery
[1] Sidney Absher, from Denton - Liver Complications
Sidney Absher was a long distance truck driver while driving in Dec 09 he blacked out and wrecked. while in the
hospital the doctors ran test to see why he passed out. They found he had a ulcer that had ruptured and he lost
a lot of blood.More test showed that he also has a fatty cirrhosis of the liver( not alcohol related). Since this initial
hospital stay, Sidney continues to lose blood and has to have blood transfusions. He also has to have fluid
removed from his abdomen with a total of 102 lbs been removed to date. He lost his job and insurance and has
not been able to work since. Sidney is on a restricted date, he can't eat anything with sodium and must
have very lean meat. A most recent hospital stay at Chapel Hill. Sidney was told he had several things against
him as far being able to have a liver transplant. Without a transplant his illness is terminal, with it, his medicine
will be 5,000 a month. Sidneys wife is on disability due to being hit with a fork truck at her job which resulted
in breaking her neck. Because of red tape her check has been stopped( saying she had been overpaid) Sidney
and Teresa wanted to express sincere gratitude to everyone for their help.
Update on Sidney Absher 3/17/2011 by Faith Martin Singleton
Wanted to update everyone on Sidney Absher. He has been back at Chapel Hill for the last 3 days and was sent
home today with the news that he would not be getting the transplant he needs. More test revealed problems with
his heart and they said he would not survive the surgery. The doctors said if all went well he may have another
year or possibly 2, it would be one day at a time.
UPDATE: Sidney Absher, passed away May 7, 2011, had battled a variety of health issues
including a ruptured ulcer and non-alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. Despite his untimely
passing, the Tour De Kale will carry on with its mission to help his family in their time of need.
[2] Todd Nance, from Denton - Accident with legs and hip injurys etc.
Todd Nance is a 40 year old from Denton who was in a 4 wheeler accident on Feb 12 in Laurinburg, NC; He was
airlifted to Chapel Hill where he spent 10 days. He has 1 broken leg and fractured hip ( leg has 20 broken bones)
steal rods had to be put in his leg; Broken maxilla bone in his face, bruised liver , and several broken ribs,
5 fractured vertebraes and a blood clot. He underwent a long surgery on his legs and will not be able to put any
weight bearing on them for at least 3 months. He is currently at Lexington Health & Rehab for the next 3 months
to do physical therapy. Where he is learning to do the basics again. His hobbies before this was riding 4
wheelers and snow skiing. He owns his own computer business techsetup.com which he has had for the last
8 years .
Kris J. Hickey - President 2011
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