KerbyStrong Foundation Gears Up for 10th Annual Race to Raise Money for Cancer Patients
“Live life, don’t just go through it,” was a favorite expression of Kerby Damery’s and is now the motto behind the KerbyStrong Foundation.
Kerby Damery had a passion for racing and lived life to the fullest. Even after being diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2007, he continued racing his late model series car and never lost his positive attitude.
Kerby passed away on Feb. 8, 2015, at the age of 49. To honor his vibrant spirit and passion for racing, his wife, Nikki, and their two sons founded the KerbyStrong Foundation.
On Aug. 10, they will host their tenth annual KerbyStrong 100 Race Day fundraiser at Macon Speedway. The race has raised more than $200,000 for the Decatur Memorial Foundation, to be used to help support cancer patient care efforts.
The Damery family spent nearly a decade watching cancer take an enormous emotional and financial toll on their family – and they vowed to help ease those burdens for others.
“He did not lose his battle to cancer; he won it by living life to the fullest, inspiring others, and touching the lives of so many around him,” Nikki said. “Our mission is to inspire others to never give up and have a winning attitude, educate about cancer awareness and screening and to support patients through their cancer journey.”
The Decatur Memorial Foundation established the KerbyStrong Treatment Fund, which provides financial assistance to patients receiving treatment at Decatur Memorial Cancer Care, and the KerbyStrong Navigation Fund, which helps patients navigate the complex healthcare system that surrounds cancer treatment.
“The KerbyStrong Foundation truly makes a positive difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families at DMH,” said Julie Bilbrey, executive director of the Decatur Memorial Foundation. “It’s heartwarming and inspirational to see how Kerby’s family and friends have turned his heartbreaking loss into such a gift for others who are going through a similar journey.”
Through KerbyStrong funds, the Decatur Memorial Foundation provides gift cards to cancer patients to help with transportation, prescriptions, medical equipment, household expenses and groceries.
“We are humbled by the generosity and support from our community. Together we are giving back to help others and providing hope to hundreds of cancer patients who are racing to win the fight against cancer,” Nikki said.
You can donate to the Decatur Memorial Foundation KerbyStrong fund by visiting memorial.health/dmf.
