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A staff report

In the town of Tar Heel, North Carolina, a resident is facing a significant medical challenge that has brought the community together in a heartwarming display of support. Amy Grimes Melvin, a beloved member of the community, has been advised by Duke Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, to initiate a fundraising effort in preparation for a life-saving lung transplant. Her journey is one of resilience and hope as she battles a rare condition known as Kartagener Syndrome, a disorder that has left her lungs scarred and airways thickened, akin to being born with certain organs positioned incorrectly. This condition has impaired the function of her lung cilia, which are responsible for clearing mucus and has led to the development of Bronchiectasis disease.

Facing this daunting medical challenge, Amy has been given a fundraising target of $20,000. This financial goal is essential because, after the lung transplant, Amy will be required to reside within a 30-minute radius of the healthcare facility in order to facilitate the necessary post-operative care. With 4-5 weekly appointments in the aftermath of the surgery, proximity to the hospital is of utmost importance for her recovery and well-being.

Fortunately, Amy has not had to face this daunting task alone. The Bladen County community has rallied around her, offering their unwavering support and generosity. Local organizations and individuals have come forward to make significant contributions to assist Amy in reaching her fundraising goal.

Generous sponsors, including the Tar Heel Fire Department, Tar Heel Area Churches, Reedy Meadow Hunt Club, Bladen We Care, and the Bladen Baptist Association, have shown tremendous dedication and compassion in their efforts to assist Amy in her time of need. Their contributions have made a significant impact on her journey towards a life-saving lung transplant.

In a remarkable gesture of her own, Amy has contributed her golf cart to be auctioned off as part of the fundraising campaign. The golf cart will be available for raffle tickets priced at $10 each. Amy will sell these tickets an hour before the drawing, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023. The raffle will take place at Gerald’s Smokehouse in downtown Dublin, NC.

Barbara Knight, who has been actively involved in helping with the fundraising efforts, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support. The raffle for the golf cart promises to be an exciting event, offering participants a chance to win a valuable prize while contributing to Amy’s life-saving journey.

The outpouring of support from the local community and beyond exemplifies the power of unity and compassion in the face of adversity. Amy Grimes Melvin’s battle with Kartagener Syndrome and Bronchiectasis has brought her community together to create a network of hope and assistance.