Editor, On Dec. 2, our friend, Regina Keys, was diagnosed with a condition that, according to her doctor, required immediate surgery. Having no insurance, Regina had to apply for financial aid before she could undergo the surgery to remove life-threatening tumors from her body. At this point, the only thing she thought she had to battle was the medical condition. Little did she know that what was about to unfold would baffle an entire community.
Many tried to help Regina, but everywhere we turned she was denied aid — from indigent care to Medicaid. I know “they” aren’t supposed to be able to deny someone in a case like this, but “they” did. But I don’t want to get into the details of that part of the story — I’d rather accentuate the positive.
The best help we could find was a hospital willing to set up a payment plan if Regina would pay $6,000 up front. Well, as far as Regina, my wife, Teri, and I are concerned, that might as well have been $600,000. Teri began to share Regina’s plight with her friends on Facebook and word spread. Donations came in from folks who know Regina and some who’d never heard of her before her story got out. Friends suggested organizing a fundraiser for Regina, and Jeff Moody offered to host it at his “man cave.” Local artist David Turner volunteered to provide the entertainment. Local businesses donated the door prizes. 
At 6 p.m. Jan. 21, the party began. Boston butt dinners were served, and hundreds of door prizes were given away. Even a black powder gun and a set of pearls were auctioned off. The New Life Family Church band performed, a prayer was offered for Regina and the David Turner Band took the stage. It was touching to see so many people come out and offer support.
A special thanks goes out to volunteers Joe and Stella Sturla, Brock and Ashley Price, Levi Moody, Krystal Rainwater and Teri Moody for helping to run the events and sell tickets. And a big thanks to Jeff Moody for hosting the fundraiser.
Regina now has close to half of the down payment she needs. Anyone who wants to donate can drop off donations at Juan’s Mexicali or The Heritage Bank, which has an account set up for Regina.

— Mike Moody
Hinesville