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Last updated on Sunday, October 7, 2012
(SOLSBERRY) - A motorcycle ride and chili dinner will be held Oct. 13 to help offset unexpected medical and personal costs a Greene County man is facing.
Sabrina Westfall, of the Greene County Daily World reports, Ray McCullough, of Solsberry, has been in the intensive care unit of Indiana University Methodist Hospital for over a week due to a dissected aorta.
Family friend Leanna Hamm said the hospital also confirmed McCullough had a small stroke Tuesday night.
He was life lined to Methodist, which Hamm said costs $10,000 alone. She noted McCullough does not have medical insurance.
While the cause of the dissected aorta is hard to pinpoint, Hamm said high blood pressure can cause the onset of the issue.
"The number one struggle is that he is having a lot of pain in his legs. Generally when you have an Dissected Aorta you go without blood getting to your legs and kidneys. They were worried about his kidneys at first because they were only (working) at 10 percent, but as of yesterday (Wednesday) they are at 70 percent," Hamm said. "Roy is very uncomfortable in this healing process, which in turn stresses him out. Therefore they have to keep him calm so that the heart can heal."
In order to help with outside stresses, Hamm and McCullough's daughter Tiffani Corbin are hosting a benefit to help offset costs at home, such as keeping his electricity turned on.
Hamm has organized a ride Oct. 13, where all street legal motor bikes are welcome. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the Bob Evans in Bedford, and kickstands will be up at 11 a.m.
"We will be taking a nice scenic ride to Story Inn. From there all can go home and rest and hopefully come to the chili dinner," Hamm said. "The cost is $10 per bike or $15 for 2-up."
The chili dinner will begin at the Eastern Greene Fire Department in Solsberry at 5 p.m., and will feature several different types of chili for $6, which includes a drink. There will also be deserts available by donation.
Hamm said she is hosting the event to help relieve some stress from McCullough by using something close to his heart to raise funds.
"I am putting on the ride because Roy has been into motorcycles his whole life, and his son is racing for the championship in the MAXC series. Also, the motorcycle community is a very strong, helpful community and I know they will come out to help raise money for Roy. They do not care if you ride a dual sport, dirt bike or a Harley, they will pitch in an help if one of their own -- a bike lover -- is down," Hamm said.
Most importantly, Hamm added, is McCullough is the type of person who would literally give the shirt off his back to someone in need.
"Roy is a big part of the Greene County community and is well known throughout it. We are hoping that the community will pull together to help out and enjoy a great bowl of chili while doing so," Hamm said.
Hamm noted if anyone would like to donate, but is unable to make it to the event there will be cans set up around the area to accept donations.
"Also they can go to any Bloomfield State Bank and deposit the donation in the name of Tiffani Corbin, and write Roy McCullough in the memo," Hamm noted.
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