Holmes’ supporters planning ‘kidney walk’

Holmes’ supporters planning ‘kidney walk’

Local farmer needs funds to help with transplant

news@theeveningtimes.com

Plans are coming together for a Kidney Walk planned to help raise funds to cover pre- and post-transplant-related expenses for Floyd Holmes and to also promote awareness about the risks for renal failure.

In 2013, Floyd was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, which runs in his family. He underwent a partial nephrectomy, which is when he learned his right kidney was very small and that he'd likely need dialysis in the future because of the years he had spent battling diabetes. Eventually, his kidney function began to decline, and he was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in 2015.

Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical. While awaiting his transplant, he endures 9-hour dialysis treatments at home every night, which takes a toll on his quality of life.

Unfortunately, Floyd's hope for a new life comes at a very high price. The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the sur- gery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they're as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Because of his declining health, he is looking into selling his farm because he is no longer able to work it, adding to the financial strain.

Floyd's Kidney Walk is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., at Marion Junior High School, and it will be hosted by none other than Shirley Strawberry, co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show. With nearly 6 million listeners, the Steve Harvey Morning Show is one of today's largest, nationally syndicated radio morning shows and Shirley is arguably one of the most recognizable names and voices in radio today. Steve Harvey himself dubbed her “The Best Voice in Radio.”

When she was just one year old, her father tragically died, changing Shirley's life forever. Her family soon went from living comfortably to barely making ends meet. This is one reason why she did not hesitate to come to the aid of cousins, Floyd and Reena Holmes, in their time of need.

Shirley says in school she was a good student but always got into trouble for talking too much! Shirley says, “I just would not could not – be quiet! It was the same thing at home.”

Shirley is more than elated to now be a voice for Floyd.

In addition to the one mile walk, representatives from the National Kidney Foundation will be available to provide information about their organization's services. The Mississippi County Hospital System has confirmed they will be on hand to provide wellness screenings and to distribute information about the risks of renal failure.

Jacob Schultz and Afreda Page will get the crowd warmed up and DJ Bruce (Hardy) will provide family centered entertainment. Activities for the Kids Zone is shaping up including a bounce house, face painting, cooling station, and a balloon artist will also keep the tots entertained. The event promises to be family centered with lots of activities and useful information.

The Registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children (age 10 and under). A free t-shirt and refreshments straight from the grill are included in the fee. Registration forms may be obtained by contacting any member of #TeamFloyd including, Marlon Canady, Nelson Catalina, Stefanie Chandler, Andre` & Roshell Coleman, Bishop O. L. Davis, Brian Doyle, Lauren Farley, Scott Fraley, Franklin Fogelman, Rogers Ford, Sherry Holliman, Reena` Holmes, Payton, Holmes, T. Holmes, Vanessa Holmes, Daryel Jackson, Debbie Jackson, Delois Jackson, Tamara Jackson, Debra Johnson, Vickie Robertson, Fred Stuckey, Amber Tackett, and Sharon Wilson. You can also register online at patients.transplants.org/floy dholmes and indicate “Registration Fee and your Tshirt size in the box labeled “Product, auction item or event entry fee” in the “Donation information” box. Tshirts can only be guaranteed for registrations completed by August 31, 2016. The event will be held rain or shine.

If you rather, you can also help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Floyd. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Arkansas Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write 'in honor of Floyd Holmes' on the memo line.

Find us at #FloydsKidney-Walk on Facebook and Intagram and follow us at #FloydKidneyWalk on Twitter.

By the Evening Times News Staff