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Thank you for Visiting the John David Keith Medical Relief Fund Page!
We are so happy to have you visit our page! This fund was established for a very special purpose to benefit a very special person. In 2008, Georgia resident and PGA golf pro John David Keith was diagnosed with a debilitating disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease. In just the handful of years since his diagnosis, John David has struggled for each breath due to a 15% lung capacity, he no longer enjoys the use of his arms or legs, he cannot speak, and he has difficulty swallowing - making each meal a challenge. Sadly, he is unable to do all of the little things that so many of us take for granted. As his once athletic frame diminishes from the ravages of ALS, the medical bills are mounting.
His mother Renee, who raised John David all by herself from age 2 when his father passed away, is not physically able to care for him alone. She needs caregivers and assistance in helping John David. That's why friends and family of John David and Renee have banded together to establish the John David Keith Medical Relief Fund - in the hopes of helping defray some of the expense of doctor visits, medical supplies, and caregivers. We sincerely hope you will make the choice to assist us in reaching our goal through ChipIn! It's easy to make a secure payment directly to the fund from the comfort of your own home or office. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide to this brave young man and his mother.
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Press Release - Polo Golf & Country Club to Celebrate Former Pro
Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit Local Victim of ALS Open to the Public
August 23, Cumming - On Monday, August 29, friends, family, and complete strangers will gather together to pay tribute to Cumming resident John David Keith with a Charity Golf Tournament at Polo Golf & Country Club.
The story of John Davids sad journey began rather simply. The young golf pro found that he was losing his grip on the club and his shots suddenly wouldnt go exactly where he planned. Eventually, he began inexplicably falling down on the golf course during sessions with students. It would be some time before doctors were able to put a name to what was happening to Polo Golf & Country Clubs popular former golf instructor, and once they did the news was devastating. In 2008, John David Keith was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease, ALS is a progressive and degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal column. Over time, the brains ability to initiate and control muscle function deteriorates to the point of complete paralysis. During the course of the next three years, the Georgia native would eventually lose the ability to walk, was no longer able to speak, and found himself struggling to breathe without the aid of a machine. The once strong and muscular physique of a former high school football athlete was slowly transformed into a frail skeletal frame. As his condition worsened, the bills for caregivers, medical supplies, and doctor visits mounted. As if watching the rapid decline of her beloved only son wasnt difficult enough, the financial burden was becoming overwhelming for John Davids mother, Renee. The single mom and widow - who had lost her husband when John David was only two years old - turned to friends and family as sounding boards, and found far more than listening ears and shoulders to cry on. For several years, members of the congregation at John David and Renees church - First Baptist Church in Cumming - have brought meals to the home, cut the lawn, and helped with general tasks. Family members have shared in the expense of crucial items such as a hospital bed at the home and have helped write letters to senators in a desperate attempt to have John placed in a clinical trial. One of John Davids cousins has served as a caregiver, and a close friend pays the familys cable bill each month so John can continue to enjoy his window to the world.
Most recently, upon learning of the escalating medical bills and need for more caregivers, one of Renees dear friends, Harmony Kiser started the John David Keith Medical Relief Fund and began making plans for a Charity Golf Tournament at John Davids former place of employ - Polo Golf & Country Club in Cumming. Thanks to the generous help of friends from St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Alpharetta - all of whom had never even met John David - Harmony soon discovered who and how to approach The Polo Club for use of their facility, while another professional designed a flyer and brochure to promote the event, and another started a Facebook page. Within hours of the launch of the Funds Facebook page - the number of fans started climbing and donations to the fund followed suit. While working closely with the Club to plan the event, Harmony was immediately struck by the fact that the only date available to host the tournament just happened to fall on the very same day as John Davids 44th birthday - truly miraculous given the nature of the disease where every birthday marks a milestone.
The John David Keith Charity Golf Tournament is not only designed to help raise money for the John David Keith Medical Relief Fund, but will also serve as a celebration of this brave young man and his mother. The event is open to the public and golfers of all skill levels are invited to take part. The Polo Golf & Country Club is located at 6300 Polo Club Drive in Cumming, Georgia. Check-in begins at 8 a..m. with a 9 a.m. tee-off. The format of play is a four-person scramble, and the cost to participate is $90 per player - which in addition to going to a very good cause, includes green fees, cart, and range balls. At 2 p.m., John David and his mother will make a brief appearance at the Club - thanks to the generous donation of services from Advanced Ambulance Service, Inc. There will also be a silent auction during the event which includes items for bid such as foursomes of golf at local clubs The Manor, Polo Golf & Country Club, and White Columns Golf & Country Club. To add your name to the list of players for the tournament, please send an e-mail to Harmony Kiser at harmony.kiser@comcast.net or call (770) 205-7899. The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 26.
Those wishing to show their support through monetary contributions are asked to make checks payable to the John David Keith Medical Relief Fund. Donations can be dropped off at any RBC Bank location in the Atlanta area or mailed to:
The John David Keith Medical Relief Fund c/o Harmony Kiser 6230 Lenbrook Court Cumming, GA 30040
To learn more about this tournament and future events, please visit www.facebook.com/johndavidkeith. Plans for a benefit concert for John David at Smiths Olde Bar in downtown Atlanta are already in the works. For more information about ALS, visit The ALS Association online at www.alsa.org
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