Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images courtesy of Kelsey Martin
This weekend, a fundraiser is being held to help Ruby, a local child with cerebral palsy, receive the intensive treatment she needs.
Kelsey Martin, a single mother of seven children, four of whom are adopted, brought Ruby home just 13 days after she was born. As Ruby neared her first birthday, Kelsey noticed something wasn’t quite right.
“She wasn’t walking or sitting up, and she was having difficulty eating and breathing,” Martin says.
After testing, Ruby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy caused by periventricular malacia (damaged white matter on both sides of her brain). This condition has made it difficult for Ruby to meet milestones like other children her age.
Ruby was recently accepted into an intensive therapy program in Florida. The program will allow her to receive therapy for several hours daily in June. Still, the costs of the treatment and the required relocation costs are not covered by the family’s insurance.
To help offset the costs, Greg and Lindsey Kilgore, owners and chefs at Jasper’s Black Rock Bistro, are hosting the Rally for Ruby Night of Creole fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. The event is a ticketed affair with live music from local musicians Josh Wade and Hollis. Signature Black Rock creole dishes, including jambalaya and smoked wings, will be served and the event will take place at Tallulah Brewing Company. Tickets are $25 each in advance and $30 on the day of the event.
“It’s exciting to be a part of watching our community come together to give Ruby such a life-changing opportunity,” said the Kilgores. “We are truly humbled by being able to use our talents to help her. It is in our hearts to love our neighbors, which is one of the main reasons we moved away from our restaurant. To have more time to dedicate to days like these!”
The Rally for Ruby Night of Creole fundraiser is a chance to unite as a community and support a family in need. The costs of caring for a child with special needs can be significant, and every little bit helps. Community members can show their support by attending this event and helping Ruby receive the therapy she needs to live a fuller life. WL
Remaining tickets for this event are limited and can be purchased by contacting Kelsey Martin at 205-489-5934 or Greg and Lindsey Kilgore at 205-387-0282.
Donations to Ruby’s cause can be made via Venmo (@rallyforruby) or CashApp ($rallyforruby).
