As I write this column, I am sitting alone beside the campfire well before dawn in the Georgia wilderness. You will not find a more serene and spiritual place. As I feel the presence of my Creator, the topic of my next column becomes apparent.
I don’t suppose that I have ever written on the same topic within the same month. However, it is necessary to do so under these circumstances.
As I mentioned in a previous column, I have been asked to take part in The Ride for SAW (Strong Amazing Woman). This is the charity event that will take place on October 27th, the day after I turn 40 years old.
While most of the community is aware of the tragic crisis last fall, I need to briefly outline the situation for those of you who may not be aware. Karen Hubbard, a 42 year old mother of two, former member of the Douglasville Police Department, and Clerk of the Municipal Court of Douglasville suffered a traumatic brain injury. Doctors termed it an “out of nowhere, unforeseeable, catastrophic injury to the brain.”
Karen and Mike are both lifelong west Georgia residents and are members of Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church in Douglasville. Mike is a self-employed solo practitioner attorney with an office in Douglasville and has served as the solicitor for the City of Villa Rica for over four years.
When Karen arrived at the hospital, she was immediately set for surgery. While she was not expected to survive the surgery, she did so and spent 150 days in the hospital, much of which was in ICU. By the grace of God, medical personnel were able to save her life.
Karen is still at home and in need of rehab. She requires round the clock 24/7 care. This has forced Mike to work part time and he has to pay a nurse or professional caretaker to care for Karen anytime he is in court, in the office, or running simple errands such as grocery shopping, banking, dry cleaning, etc.
Although Mike and Karen provided very adequate insurance for themselves, Karen’s medical bills are in the millions of dollars and the rehab needed to give her a chance at a quality life will cost well beyond what the insurance company can pay.
Fortunately, since the last column, Karen has improved consistently. She has passed the important “swallow test”, is eating solid foods, has obtained a new pair of glasses meant to correct her double vision, and most importantly has an increased sense of hope. (I have provided a current picture of Karen with her new glasses).
This benefit has become more important now because it seems that Karen has a good chance of going back to the Shepherd’s Center in the near future.
While we have been blessed with financial gifts, offers of help, and anticipated widespread participation in the event, we want the entire community involved. As a reminder, the event will take place on October 27, 2013. It will begin at Williamson Brothers Barbeque at 7040 Concourse Pkwy in Douglasville. $30 per bike and $10 for additional passenger includes meal at Williamson Bros when ride is complete. Registration begins at 10:00 and kickstands are up at noon.
The ride will be approximately 60 minutes and followed by lunch, a raffle with many prizes (real prizes such as electronics, handmade quilts, firearms, gift cards, etc.)
While we have a number of sponsors already, we need more to raise the funds necessary for Karen’s rehab. Sponsors will be recognized formally and on a banner. Gold ($1500), silver ($1000), and bronze ($500). Every single dime will go towards Karen’s rehab and medical expenses. Because of the current tax laws, checks need to be made payable to CDT Charities, LLC. The checks can be mailed to my office at 310 Tanner St., Carrollton, GA.
Please consider joining me and many others in our community as we stand in support for this honorable family who is making progress every day.