Ever since Carey Durham was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, she has had two objectives - fighting the illness within her brain and helping others to do the same.
In seven years of Carey's Clan fundraisers, the Durham's have been among the top individual efforts in the nation raising money for Parkinson's research. Husband David Durham said the group's name is indicative of the circle of family, friends and supporters that join Carey in raising money for the Parkinson's Foundation.
"There's a lot of us that make this happen. We have a big team and this is a group effort," he said.
The fundraisers started simple, first gathering at Railhead Barbecue. During Covid shutdown, the Durham's invented Drive By Fish Fry with fishers and friends cooking and passing out meals at the Durham's curb. Karen Shelley has been the group's organizer for three years, moving the event to Crossroads event center on Bankhead Highway two years ago.
"It started out small and it just grew and grew," Shelley recalls.
Food, live music and silent auctions coupled with savvy promotion are the key elements of Carey's Clan.
Carey Durham is stalwart about fighting Parkinson's and optimistic about her condition, giving encouragement for others that may be dealing with the disease.
"I am doing much better now after having DBS surgery," she said while greeting guests at the event. "You have to evaluate yourself, do the very best of your ability and communicate with your doctor."
DBS, deep brain stimulation, is a surgery that implants devices in the brain which stimulates specific areas to control the symptoms of Parkinson's.
All donations go directly to the Parkinson's Foundation to advance research of the disease. If you would like to donate to the fight in Carey Durham's name, visit www3.parkinson.org/goto/careysclan.
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