THE CAUSE, INC
PROMOTING HEALTH RESOURCE AWARENESS
HAIRLOSS/ALOPECIA AWARENESS SALUTE
MAJESTIC FREEMAN
PAST TRIBUTES
OCTOBER AWARENESS SALUTES/TRIBUTES
APRIL AWARENESS SALUTES
ORGAN DONOR, LIMB LOSS, AUTISTM, SARCOIDOSIS
I was a type I diabetic for 38 years. I have dealt with eye issues and chronic kidney disease, caused by the diabetes, for several years. The plan was when my kidney functioning dropped below 20%, I would start the transplant process and be able to skip dialysis. I experienced a heart attack in November 2017, and was already scheduled to start the transplant process at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Approximately three months after the heart attack, I was having breathing issues, nausea and vomiting, and more tired than usual. I went to the emergency room in February 2018, for breathing issues and my nephrologist said it was time to start dialysis. I thought the world had ended. The plan was to get transplanted before dialysis.
My doctor felt that I was a good candidate for peritoneal dialysis (PD), so plans were made for my catheter to be surgically placed in my abdomen with a few weeks to heal. I started the training process to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home. I have to say it was a little challenging because there is so much information at one time, and remember I was not feeling the best at that time. I was greeted at the clinic with the most awesome group of people. Words cannot describe this group/team of people. Everyone was so great to work with and all in an atmosphere that felt like family/friends.
I started out with manual PD four times a day. I then progressed to the cycler, which administered my dialysis treatment during the night while I slept. After a few weeks of receiving regular dialysis, I started feeling better. I felt blessed to be able to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD), because it was within the comfort of my home. I feel that peritoneal dialysis (PD) placed me in a better position physically and mentally to be prepared for my eventual pancreas and kidney transplant.
I was listed actively on the transplant list on March 14, 2019. On March 18, 2019, I was blessed to receive a simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant (SKP) at OSU. Yes, that is correct, four days later. Currently, I do not have diabetes. Once again, I was blessed with the most awesome healthcare providers and received tremendous care and compassion.
There are many details to my story that are truly amazing of how God worked and revealed his love and faithfulness to me. During the pre-transplant process, the transplant surgeon wanted me to undergo a cardiac work-up since I had heart issues. I went for a stress test in June 2018, and they were debating on sending me to ER because they saw something on my test. I underwent another heart catherization at OSU in July 2018. The cardiologist reported to me in surgery that he was pleased to tell me that my body had basically created a bypass around scar tissue that developed at the stent that was previously placed. He stated that nothing needed to be corrected and I was cleared for transplant. I totally give God the credit for creating this bypass around the obstruction. I would not change my journey with all of the health issues. It has made me who I am today. I thank God so much for what he has taught me, provided me, and blessed me with throughout this journey. I also thank my donor for their unselfish heroic decision to donate life.
Crystal D. Walker-Double Organ Recipient
Information on organ donation and other resources can be found at:
Donatelife.net
Donatelifeky.org (KODA)
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that is complex and typically appears during early childhood and
can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
Today, we salute Joseph Almonte and his family (Jose-father, Sonja-mother and Josslyn -sister). The Almonte family has been very instrumental in bringing autism awareness to the tri-state area. They have devoted their lives to ensuring that Joseph lives his life to the fullest, surrounded by love.
They are very dedicated to the Annual Autism Walk and "Team Joseph" spans all over the US.
Thank you to the Almonte Family for all you do for Joseph and the Autism World
Due to the complexity of information surrounding autism, we encourage you to visit the link below for information or contact your physician.
April is National Donate Life Month.
It was established by Donate Life America to encourage individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. It also celebrates those who have given the ultimate gift of eye, organ and tissue donation.
Today we Salute Larry Gue-Organ Recipient
“You have the power to change someone’s life by being an organ donor. As a donor you can save and enhance the lives of more than 50 people. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. Donated organs and tissue may include the following: Organs: heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas; Tissue: bones, corneas, heart valves, skin, tendons and veins.”
On December 19, 2012, I was able to receive my new liver because of my donor. I was able to have a second chance at life and for that I will always be grateful for donors like mine. Even though I had to retire early from my job at St. Mary’s Medical Center, God had bigger plans for my life. Through my journey, God has allowed me to become an ordain minister. Even though I don’t have my own church, God sends me to other churches or organizations to speak to others about what God has brought me through. Everywhere I go I love to share what God has brought me through in my life and for that I will always be grateful to have the opportunity to speak to people or to pray with them.”
Larry Gue-Organ Recipient
Information on organ donation and other resources can be found at:
Donatelife.net
Donatelifeky.org (KODA)
In 2009, Elizabeth Baskin of South Point, OH, had been suffering from loss of vision in the left eye, which caused her to seek medical attention. After various tests, a PET scan was performed which revealed a tumor squeezing on her optic nerve. In December 2009, she was officially diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and told she would need to have surgery or face the possibility of permanent blindness.
Healthline.com notes, “Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which granulomas, or clumps of inflammatory cells, form in various organs. This causes organ inflammation. Sarcoidosis may be triggered by your body’s immune system responding to foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, or chemicals. It can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, such as arthritis or cancer.” Elizabeth’s sarcoidosis affected both eyes, her lungs and her stomach. She immediately gained a pulmonologist, neurologist and ophthalmologist.
This was not the first that Elizabeth had heard of the disease. Her brother, R.D., had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis over 15 years prior. Doctors could not believe that two individuals in the same immediate family could have the disease. They also had a cousin who passed away from complications related to sarcoidosis.
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor behind her eye, but they were unable to get it. “They made an opening so that if the tumor grew it would not press against my optic nerve and cause the loss of vision, as before. I travel to Columbus for routine appointments with a doctor who specializes in the treatment of Sarcoidosis. There are no specialists in our area.”
Information taken from Stopsarcoidosis.org notes, “The etiology of sarcoidosis is not clear; however, genetic and environmental factors probably play a role in the development and expression of the disease.
It is further stated that, “While a significant percentage of sarcoidosis patients never need therapy, there are several groups which require treatment. Corticosteroid medications are considered the first line of treatment for sarcoidosis that requires therapy. Oral corticosteroids effectively reduce systemic inflammation in most people, thereby slowing, stopping or even preventing organ damage. Corticosteroids may be prescribed alone or with other medications.”
It has been almost 11 years and Elizabeth is in remission. She notes occasional flares that sometimes involve her skin, body aches, and stomach ache but otherwise; her sarcoidosis is maintained with a medication regimen.
Information in this article can be found at www.stopsarcoidosis.org and www.healthline.com .
For those who don’t know me, I was diagnosed with early stages of kidney failure in 2009 due to diabetes and high blood pressure. Who knew 2017 would be life changing. It was then that I was in Stage 4 chronic kidney failure. At that time, my kidney doctor said, “We need to get you on the transplant list.” He also went over my options for dialysis. I could go to the clinic three times a week for four hours a day or I could do it at home seven days a week for 10 hours a day. It was at that time when it really sunk in that my life as I had known it was about to change. I chose to do dialysis at home, but while my catheter healed I had to do dialysis in the clinic for one month.
I was referred to Ohio State to start the long process of getting put on their list. I was invited to my first Donate Life-Organ Donor Awareness meeting, sponsored by The Cause, Inc. in April 2017, at which time I was on dialysis. Fast forward to March 1, 2018; I was finally put on the transplant list; however, I was told it could take up to at least six years. On April 23rd, I was invited to my second Donate Life Meeting sponsored by The Cause, where at the end of the meeting Pastor Larry Gue asked if he could pray for me. After he prayed for me, he said, “You will be up here next year telling your story.” I left that meeting feeling blessed.
On April 24, 2018, the very next day, my phone rang at 11:40 that morning – a call from Ohio State saying they had a kidney for me and to wait by the phone for them to tell me when to head that way. Tell me that prayer doesn’t work!
I received my transplant April 26, 2018 after being on the list for 57 days…What A Difference A Year Makes!! I won’t stand here and tell you that this was an easy process. After my transplant, for the first three months we had to drive to Columbus twice a week; then once a week for the next three months; then every other week for three months, plus get blood work done twice a week; along with taking 45 pills a day. I am now down to 22 pills a day and blood work every other week. Transplantation is an amazing journey that tests the limits of human strength and courage. It requires commitment and faith, as well as mental, emotional and physical endurance. If you can handle transplantation, you can conquer anything you set your mind to. It is one of life’s greatest challenges and among the reward is life itself!
Crystal Stewart-Jackson
Kidney Recipient/Sarcoidosis Patient
*This testimony was given in April 2019 during The Cause, Inc.’s Organ Donor Awareness Event. Just as Pastor Gue prophesied, Crystal was giving her testimony a year later. We salute Crystal as an organ recipient and for sarcoidosis.*
Amputee Awareness/Limb Loss and Limb Difference. Bryan Potok shared information in a feature on the Amputeestore.com stating, “So many people in the country and around the world are living with limb loss, yet it’s easy for many amputees to feel isolated, alone, and misunderstood. This is mainly due to lack of awareness about limb loss in the general community and even sometimes lack of empathy within amputee support groups. Every day in the US, an average of 507 people undergo amputation surgery; more than 600 children are amputated every year due to a lawn-mower incident, and a foot ulcer precedes 85 percent of lower-limb amputations. At the rate we’re going, it is projected that the number of amputees in the US will rise to 3.6 million by the year 2050. However, it is further estimated that out of the estimated 2.1 million amputees in the U.S., 54% lost their limbs due to vascular disease, including peripheral arterial disease and diabetes. Meanwhile, 45% lost their limbs due to traumatic events, and less than 2% lost their limbs due to cancer.”
Today, we feature Larry Medcalf of South Point, OH. Larry is a recent (2019) below the knee amputee as the result of an accidental injury. Larry is a minister and also co-founder of The Cause, Inc. and the Vision Vessel for the God Factor Ministries. He has come through several stages of learning to adjust to life without two legs. Surgery, recovery, time in rehabilitation centers for therapy, therapy at home and receipt of a temporary prosthesis proved to be a challenge both physically and mentally. He first had to learn to maneuver his body without the use of a prosthetic and then with a prosthetic. Larry kept and is keeping a positive attitude as he adjusts to his new normal, but that did not keep the frustrations from occurring. He now has to depend on others to get him where he needs to go. Something as simple as getting three steps into his home at one time was a challenge. He was able to overcome that hurdle with the use of a wheelchair and his late father’s (Bishop Medcalf) ramp. Larry is now able to ambulate the steps with the help of one person and a cane. He still uses his walker, but is able to walk alone short distances. He continues to improve daily. Larry shares, “I am grateful and so thankful to God for His mercy and His grace and loving kindness through this transition. I want to encourage others to embrace any challenges they may face. Challenges are what God uses to strengthen us.”
IN MEMORY OF
MISTI A. "THE CHOSEN ONE" PLEASANT
LARRY NELSON
MATTIE JACQUELINE ESTEP
DIANNE THOMPSON
CHARLES LAMONT LINTHICUM
AS WE APPROACH APRIL, WE WANT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF LAMONT LINTHICUM. HE HELD A PIECE OF EVERYONE'S HEART THAT KNEW HIM. HE WILL FOREVER BE KNOWN FOR HIS SMILE. HE LOVED THE LORD AND HE LOVED HIS FAMILY. REST IN PEACE LAMONT, WE MISS YOU-WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE MORNING....
HE REALLY LOVED THE LORD
I REALLY LOVE THE LORD
MIN. CHRISTIAN SCOTT
JOHNNY LYNN "JOHN BOY" CASEY, JR.
April 4, 1974 - November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Day 2012 a piece of my heart left me. My boy-not biologically, but still mine, as long as I can remember. He was an awesome vessel God created to bring us joy throught laughter and even in sickness he lifted our spirits. My son i will miss you dearly with all of my heart. Our communication required "no words." that was our way of saying, "it's ok, i know how you are feeling." John never ended a conversation whether by text or vocally that he did not say, "Another Day, Another blessing." You fought a good fight, you kept the faith-you finished your course. I love you my nephewson.
April 4, 1974 - November 22, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear John.
John leaves those behind better for knowing him,
Inspired by his dignity and courage,
and determined to do better in this life.
May he now be at peace and may those left who knew
Him well, and loved him, be calm and serene in respect
Of the great presence he manifested on this earth.
In Memory of John, may we all from this moment on be more loving,
more Powerful and in greater Wisdom of all that is known and in greater
Perception of What is not known.
To John Casey, a great man, husband, father, son and grandson, eternally.
John is survived by his wife Irina Casey and daughter Jazmin Casey; his mother Alberta Casey, stepfather Lester Weems, father Johnnie Lynn Casey and wife Wendy Casey, sisters Nicole Fontain, Jessica Casey, Sarah Massey and Dominique Casey, as well as sister in law Maria Toshkova; grandfather, Rev. Thomas R. Murray, Sr., a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins all of whom he loved dearly.
OUR MR. 1 IN 1.7 MILLION
"ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER BLESSING"
JOHN IS ALSO THE GRANDSON OF MRS KAROLYN K. MURRAY
Karolyn Kathryn “Kitten” Murray bid us farewell on the afternoon of October 25, 2011 after a long illness. She was born December 1, 1934 in Collinsdale, WV the youngest of ten children to the late Wesley and Alma White. She graduated from Washington High School. She worked as a cook in Fayette County School Systems; a manager at Ann Edie's Beauty Shop and retired from Anderson and Hairston Funeral Home with over 25 years of service. She was married to Rev. Thomas R. Murray, Sr. for 58 years and seven children were born to their union.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Thomas R. Murray, Sr.; children: Calvin (Eletha) Murray, Tina (Jerome Burs) Palmer, Alberta Casey, Marshall (Kim) Murray, Thomas Jr. (Arnise), Karolyn (Kathy) M. (Glenn Burs), Stacy (Larry) Medcalf, Special Daughter-Barbara (Richard) Bullard; Grandchildren: Shamika Murray, Chris Brown, Stephanie Murray, Eric Palmer (Tisjuana Brown), Kevin Palmer, Ashley Palmer, John Casey (Irana), Jr., Amy Green (Arraja), Aaron (Tanya Adkins) Murray, Jennifer Bailey, Angela Bailey; Great Grandchildren: Bailey, Destini, Mikeya, Monet, Jaliyah, Asia, Bryanna, Kelsey, Jazmin, Arraja, Jr, Ashley, Davin, Alexis,. One brother, Richard White; two sisters, Helen Blackstock and Gladys Mathies; sister-Janice Murray; Also survived by Tonea, Tonietha, Haron, Aleisha, Asherea, Jody, Chad, Greg, Kenny, Tanisha, Quincy, Quisha, Sam, Nelson, Isaiah, Chaka, Tammy, Kesha, Tresa, Deborah, BJ, Bria, Iyana, Ishmael, Brian, Brent, Brandon; Special nephews Timmy and Earl Mathies who assisted the family in her care-giving. Many others call her mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her family and had a personal and caring relationship with each and everyone. She was the epitome of the Titus 2 woman and was not ashamed to give strict guidance even in her last hours.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of London, where she served faithfully until she suffered severe health problems. She was a member of the Senior Choir, Willing Workers Mission Circle, Sunday School and Bible Study teacher/student.
She was past President of the Mt. Olivet and New River Minister's Wives and Widows Council, Past Secretary of the Minister's Wives for many years; served as President and Secretary in the Paint Creek No. 1 Singing Convention, and was a faithful member of the State Baptist Convention and State Music Convention.
Mrs. Murray penned an inspirational column in the Montgomery Herald for several years offering encouragement and insight into the Word of God. She traveled all across West Virginia and many other states speaking and giving inspirational messages to various churches and organizations. She has participated in many other organizations and held many other positions, but never failed to give God the Glory.
No matter where she went, she always left her marked. Mrs. Murray impacted the community, her family, her friends and her church with her loving spirit. She was the epitome of a “a fine Christian woman”, showing virtue, resilience, longsuffering, steadfastness, humility, perseverance, faithfulness and more. She has been an asset to anything she touched and anyone that she came in contact with. Her life has revolved around service to others. She has been a sounding board for those in need of an ear; a shoulder for those shedding tears; a voice of reason for those in trying situations-a phenomenal/virtuous/Titus 2 woman.
HER MOTTO IN LIFE
"Don't pass by mission on the way to Mission."
HER FAVORITE SCRIPTURES
Proverbs 3:5 – 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 37:1-3a: Fret not thyself because of evildoers , neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good;
The Cause, Inc. invites you to place a memorial tribute slide show to honor that special person on that special birthday, anniversary, etc. Information may be submitted by contacting Stacy L. Murray-Medcalf at 740-646-3558 or via email at stacym7@gmail.com. Some fees apply based on type of tribute. Checks should be made payable to The Cause, Inc.
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO BARBARA SCOTT
Barbara Mae Scott, age 81, of Gallipolis “Went to be with the Lord” on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Holzer Medical Center. Born February 8, 1931, in Kerr, Ohio, she graduated from Bidwell-Porter High School. She was the daughter of the late Alexander “Cap” and Bessie Gillison Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, whom she married in January 1965, Harry D. Scott, Sr.; also by a sister, Hazel Marie Smith, and by a son, James Scott.Barbara was a retired housekeeper. She was a devoted member of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of several organizations, including the Emancipation Celebration Committee, John Gee Historical Center, Christian Women’s Club, the Keep Gallia Beautiful Committee, Gallia County Historical and Genealogical society, Gallia Economic Development Association. She held many offices and titles in the Providence Regular Missionary Baptist Association. She loved to study the Bible, read books, cook for her family and church family, research genealogy, and garden in her spare time. She has helped numerous families from far and wide to find their roots.Barbara is survived by eight children, Doris Green of Columbus, Harry (Clovadys) Scott, Jr. of Oak Hill, Harriet (Bill) Qualls of Gallipolis, Jane Luttrell of Mansfield, Dinah (Fred) Scott of Gallipolis, Donna Smith of Columbus, Florence (Robert) Williams of Gallipolis and Christian (Stephanie) Scott of Gallipolis; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren. She is survived by three very special grandchildren who came along late in her life and brought her great joy, Jarrell, Linae and Kierra Scott. Left to mourn are Barbara’s many friends.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at Paint Creek Baptist Church with Pastors Melvin O. Freeman and Harry Scott, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m.Pallbearers will be Chad Neal, Josh Williams, Chris Howell, Eric Neal, Jim Gilmore, Marlin Griffin and J.T. Spencer-Howell.Honorary Pallbearers will be Glen Miller, Andy Gilmore, Morris Hogan, Pete Dotson, David Perry and Paul Close. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Triedstone Baptist Church Sunday School, Children’s Church or Youth Auxiliary, 740 Fourth Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com.
