In 2008, three friends, Darren Scarborough, Steve Higginbotham, and Mike Webb came together for the cause of cancer. Their long time friend, TJ Johnson discovered he was one of many to join ‘a family’. This family is made up of hundreds of cancer patients in Elbert County. Those three friends joined with many more to prepare an escorted motor cycle ride from Elberton, GA to Helen, GA. People from all surrounding areas came to ride strong that day and the friends raised eight thousand dollars to aid in the duration of chemo treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, and what ever TJ and his family needed during this time. That ride and the realization of the numerous cancer occurrences in our area of Georgia inspired the friends to organize a group of people who have the same goals, the goal being to help cancer patients get through the battle with a monetary donation. This group is very diverse and many have had experience with cancer or have loved ones who have experienced the dreaded disease. The TJ & Friends Foundation hosts motorcycle rides, softball tournaments, horse shows, bass tournaments, golf tournaments, auctions, raffles and other entertainment activities in order to help fund this endeavor. Founders and officers of this foundation are Executive Committee Steve Higginbotham, Mike Webb, Darren Scarborough, Secretary/Benefits Chairman Michelle Scarborough, and Public Relations Chairperson Debbie Anderson, Accountant Linda Lutz. The foundation also is supported by a board of directors, one from each county served with donations. These people are Blake Thompson, Mary Jean Ginn, Doris Hughes, Suraiya Razzak, Chuck Almond, Brenda Danner-McGahee, Pete Mincey, Ramona Booth, Wendy Holmes, Joy Shaw, Bobby Howell, Sandy Fowler, Curtis Henson, Ed Miller, Scott Ware, and William Johnson. Angela Johnson serves as honorary board member. Your donations are vital to this dream and greatly appreciated by many! Anyone may make a donation by contacting one of the mentioned officers above or by logging on to tjandfriendsfoundation.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook! If you are now experiencing this disease, are a resident of Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Oglethorpe, Lincoln, Madison, or Wilkes County you may benefit from the assistance of this foundation upon approval of your application which can be obtained from the tjandfriendsfoundation.com website. Your application will be reviewed by a board of directors. This foundation will not discriminate against race, gender, age, social status or any other personal characteristics; however you must provide proof of US citizenship, proof of county citizenship, and proof of cancer treatment. This foundation utilizes 100% of proceeds available to benefit cancer patients in the above counties.
