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Hoping For A Miracle And Loving Life!

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Helping to raise money at the event: (left to right) Kimberly Hawkins, Lisa Sparks, & Betty Lowarence selling hot dogs, chips, drinks and desserts.

His name is Jerry Doty, a married man who lives in Ellenboro with his loving wife Dawn. Jerry is 54 years old and everybody who knows and loves him is hoping for a miracle. His situation is in God’s hands. The reality of his life began on August 22 of last year. He thought he had a case of acid reflex and finally went to the doctor. When he was completely diagnosed, Jerry had cancer - esophageal cancer! The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. In the United States this cancer most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. More men than women get this type cancer. When Jerry was diagnosed his cancer was in stage three. After going to Charlotte and many tests including endoscopy almost monthly he was being prepared for surgery. After two treatments of chemotherapy and one round of radiation he was told that the cancer had spread and he was now in stage four and inoperable. 

Even then, Jerry stayed positive and loved to smile and see everyone else smile. On Saturday, September 6th, at the old K-Mart off US 74, a Car & Bike Show Fundraiser for Jerry Doty was held. Even then, the downpour of rain could not dampen the spirited crowd who came together and donated their time to help. It was an extension of the nature of the man for whom it was being held. Prayers, smiles and an atmosphere of caring and hoping for a miracle.

The T-Shirts worn by many said “Fighting Cancer With A Smile - Team Bubba”. The story behind Jerry Doty being named Bubba came from a three year old little girl, now thirteen, when her mom met and married Jerry. Makenzie called him Bubba and it stuck! His wife Dawn had four children, Cody, Tyler, Blake and Makenzie! Now even his wife Dawn calls him Bubba. Jerry told her: “If you don’t call me Bubba, I’ll think you are mad at me!”

This volunteer event was to help defray the mounting costs of medical treatment. His wife Dawn said “We had an awesome turnout - we can’t believe it! It was beyond our expectations.” On Saturday there were many friends and just good people who had come together to help - all got soaked but the rain didn’t dampen their spirits.

As far as the fight is concerned, Jerry doesn’t want to know the prognosis. He says it’s all up to God. Up to just a couple weeks ago, Jerry, as sick as he was, went to church every Sunday. The family belongs to Restoration Church in Forest City. Now he is too weak to go. He is still trying to make everyone smile. He’s still fighting! Yes, in addition to his dedicated and caring wife, Dawn, it is very hard on all the kids, especially the little girl that  gave him the nickname “Bubba”! He continues to read the Bible every day and continues to smile. This man, is obviously very special. He makes everyone feel good as he weakens and feels all worn out. As far as a miracle is concerned, there is no doubt that he has already received one and that is his strength and positive attitude that he infuses in everyone. Now we’d like to have one more miracle! That miracle would be for a total cure! However, regardless of the result, you can be absolutely sure that there will be forever a Jerry Doty smile involved! God Bless you Jerry and we say that with a smile!

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