Jody Barnes is making a heartfelt request for your support. She is 41 years of age a life-long resident of St. Johns. Jody’s sister Amy Robertson and her dear friend Kathy Campbell are sponsoring a benefit dinner/fundraiser with a silent auction on Sunday September 12 at the K of C Hall on N. Business 27 next to the Credit Union. The funds raised by this event will go to support the medical expenses and medications that will no longer be covered by The National Kidney Foundation after her transplant surgery, scheduled for October, 2010.
Jody is a 1987 graduate of St. Johns High School and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a blood disorder in 1998, which eventually led to end stage kidney failure. Her dialysis treatments began in February, 2002. She has had over 55 surgeries including 2 open heart surgeries. As a result of the surgeries she has suffered two strokes, and with God’s grace there was no residual damage. Jody has been on dialysis for 8 ½ years; and although the treatments have been helpful, the disease has left her with permanent damage; one of which is my eyesight and the other being a need for a new kidney.
Jody began working at age 15 for the Clinton County Intermediate School District. After she graduated from St. Johns High School, she started to work for the McKenzie Agency. In 1990 Jody went back to school to earn her solicitor license during which time she was named twice to Who’s Who Among Young Business Professionals. During this time she worked for Lyman and Sheets Insurance and then transitioned to Capital Insurance Service Corporation where she received her certification as an Insurance Service Representative.
In 2001 Jody’s life took a drastic change and I was forced to leave work due to illness. Despite this, her spirit would not keep her down. She looked to volunteerism to keep her going and to be a part of her wonderful community. She is currently a member of the St. Johns Lioness Club and has assisted with many activities of the St. Johns Lions club. She also volunteers for the Clinton County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels program and Mint Festival. In the past Jody was a candy striper for Clinton Memorial Hospital and a member of the Jaycees.
Jody Barnes with Eric Fox at his benefit
Through it all Jody has managed to keep a bright spirit and a positive attitude on life. She says that she looks to the future with optimism, and after her surgery she hopes to go back to school to obtain an associates degree in Medical Billing and Coding. I Jody is also an award winning poet and essay writer.
Jody loves her family, friends, cats, music, reading, her niece and nephews, and her god-daughter.She is also an avid MSU Fan.
Readers may support Jody’s efforts in one or more of the following ways:
– Attending the Benefit Luncheon
– Donating an item for the Silent Auction
– Sending a Financial Contribution
To: Jody L. Barnes, c/o Clinton County Federal Credit Union
1200 Zeeb Drive
St. Johns, MI 48879
(in the memo line indicate “Medical”)
A Tax Deductible Contribution Form is available upon request.
Follow Jody Lynne Barnes now on Facebook
For questions or further information, please call:
Jody Barnes 989 224-4504
Kathy Campbell 989 906-5928