As many of you know on August 8th I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. While my initial reaction was normal, "why?" I quickly shed that thought to "Why not?" I know God is in control and I also feel He is going to do something really awesome with this situation. I just want to make sure I am here to see what it is.
I also made a quick decision to try and show others how Christians handle adversity while at the same time helping others with this disease. Research, education and financial help for those who can't afford medicines are the main needs. The disease is incurable and most people just think about an old person shaking real bad when they think of Parkinson's. My gut reaction says you had a mental image of Muhammed Ali or maybe Michael J Fox. Well, Michael J Fox has a rather successful foundation (Michael J Fox Foundation) that is working in the needed areas I mentioned. So I decided rather than try to go through the process of starting some type of charity myself, I would join the grassroots movement sponsored by the MJFF called Team Fox. 100% of the money raised by Team Fox members goes to the MJFF. My team is...surprise! Team Fig.
There are several ways you can help Team Fig. The link below will take you to my personal Team Fox web page. We are just now in the beginning stages so there are no events listed as of yet. But many of my friends in the world of radio both Sports and Bluegrass have already come up with a Hoops for Parkinson's Fund Raiser and A Pickin For Parkinson's Fund raiser later this year or early next. I am open to any type of event that will help raise awareness.
I am not one to ask for money for anything. Never preached a sermon on giving in my life. But I've also never had Parkinson's. Team Fox allows me to have people join Team Fig in many ways, but by far the easiest right now is through my web page. For a $50 donation you are a part of Team Fig and helping me help others. I know that is a lot of money for some people, with my medical expenses for medicine alone its a lot for me, but I got the ball rolling with the first donation. If you can't do it alone, join forces with people at work or just pray and perhaps help at function down the road. Again, I am somewhat uncomfortable at this asking fo money thing so please know that I will not at all be offended if you decline for whatever reason.
My life verse through the days that I struggle with Parkinson's has and will be Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Whatever I have to go through with this disease I am confident it will be nothing compared to the joy and splendor of heaven that awaits me. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever. In all things, I give God praise and honor. He made a promise to never leave me nor forsake me and I know He is carrying me some days and I so thankful for that. I plan to keep on doing what I do. Tomorrow night I will be in the booth as East Carter opens their season verses Raceland. Next Thursday I will be driving to Cookeville, TN as the KCU Knights open their season vs Tennessee Tech and then drive back so I can be in the booth Friday night as the West Comets face Bath Co. My doctor says those are lofty goals, but my doctor is just a doctor, I have the Great Physician on my side.
Again, the link is at the bottom of this message above the Team Fig logo. And please understand while I am reluctant to contact anyone and ask for money, it is not for me directly. But I would love to help find a cure for this disease in my lifetime if not for me, for those who suffer much more than I do. I also know that some just can't give, but you can pray! I covet those on a daily basis. It has taken me about an hour to type this. But I just wanted to do something.
God bless each of you today.
http://www2.michaeljfox.org/
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