By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
A month ago, longtime Salisbury resident Carl Doby lost his battle with leukemia and a recent bone marrow transplant. Grace Lutheran Church is asking the community to help Doby’s family.
The church, 3020 Grace Church Road, will host an all-you-can-eat fish fry where 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the family. The fish fry will be Saturday, Oct. 3 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Each year the church does a fundraiser for someone in the community. The idea was mentioned by a former co-worker of Carl’s who was close to the family.
“He gave us the idea in the spring. We know the family is need,” said Dan Roseman, a member of Lutheran Men in Mission.
Doby discovered he had leukemia in 2005 after he thought he had the flu. He had aggressive chemotherapy treatments that produced a bone marrow disease.
This disease affected Doby’s ability to produce platelets. In early 2009, Doby underwent a bone marrow graft, but developed complications.
His wife, Deona, regularly updated a Web site, Saving Grace, with news of Carl’s condition. In her last post before his death, she said the donor cells were attacking him. He was placed on a respirator to aid his breathing.
Doby died in early August. He had worked as a code enforcement officer for Rowan County and later for Cabarrus County. His wife, Deona, is a teacher at Faith Elementary.
Throughout his five-year struggle, Carl and his family have received prayers from strangers and donations to help with medical costs. The church is hoping the community could further that kindness.
The tickets are a minimum donation of $8 per plate. The plates include fish, french fries, hushpuppies, slaw, dessert and a drink. There will be hot dogs also available for anyone who does not eat fish.
The cost will also cover admission to hear the band, Pine Ridge Road Band, and a Cruise-In. The live music will last until 9 p.m. and there will be classic cars on site. People can dine in or take the food with them.
Organizers would accept any donation, but they are aiming for $10,000. Donations have covered the cost of the food and suppplies so all of the money raised will go directly to the family.
Monetary donations will be accepted at all F&M Bank locations. Checks should be payable to the Carl Doby Fund through the Grace Baptist Church account.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Dan Roseman at 704-857-3114 or Mike Yost at 704-213-1262.