Benefit set to help Kincaid family

Patty Kincaid, daughter Allison, and Steve Criser take a moment for an evening swing on their front porch in Ashwood. Patty is preparing for her third battle with cancer. (Photo courtesy Claudia Campbell) WARM SPRINGS — The Bath County community will again step up for one of its own, this time with "An Evening of Inspiration," a benefit for cancer victim Patty Kincaid, on July 11 at the Bath County High School auditorium.

The daughter of Tom and Dale Folks, Kincaid, 43, has contracted an obscure and persistent form of cancer, Ewings sarcoma.

The ordeal began two years ago when a tumor was discovered in her leg. Surgery and radiation seemed to ensure a clean bill of health. Then, in December 2008, she awoke with a headache. Brain surgery followed, along with radiation. By February of this year, tests again showed everything was clean. But in early May, a brain seizure forced her to pull off the road as she was transporting her grandchildren to an activity.

"So, we go through it all again," Kincaid said this week. This time, a second round of brain surgery will be followed by chemotherapy. She will be hospitalized for five days followed by two-week intervals at home for the next six months.

As difficult as this is for Kincaid and her family, they do not lose sight of the support and generosity extended them from the Bath County community. "We would not be sitting here right now in this house if it weren't for the folks here," says Steve Criser, Kincaid's long time friend and fiance.

Their wedding plans are postponed due to the demanding circumstances. The bills keep coming in — electric, mortgage, health insurance, the traveling back and forth to University of Virginia. "The churches, the

Reunion cancer society here in Bath County and the numerous people who simply want to be of help — they don't have any idea what it all means to us," says Kincaid.

To respond to the increasingly heavy financial burden, the idea of the benefit for Kincaid was launched. A friend, Vicki White of Hot Springs, asked herself, "What can I do?" and the answer was, "not much." But she knew what a whole lot of people together could do, and began calling for support from everyone she thought might be able to help. "Everyone," she says, "has stepped up to the plate."

With help from Pete Pitard, BCHS principal, the auditorium was secured for the benefit. The entertainment list includes the Edenaires, The Gospel Heirs, Karen and Richard Hise, along with daughter Jenna Crummett, Rita Chestnut, Josh Chestnut, Betty Lockridge, and Eric Woodzell, who won last year's BCHS Talent Show. Another Talent Show winner, Allison Kincaid, a rising junior at BCHS, will also perform. Allison is Patty's daughter.

"We are so excited about the evening," says White, whose father and sister are cancer survivors.

In addition to the evening of inspirational music, many businesses have donated raffle items. Tickets will be sold that evening for drawings. Light refreshments will be available.

"I just hope when this is all done, everyone will know what this has meant to us," says Kincaid.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the BCHS Auditorium, on July 11. The music begins at 7 p.m.

— Claudia Campbell