Community gathers for single mom with tumor

May 17, 2007 05:40 pm

— Danie M. Huffman wdreporter2@yahoo.com When doctors told Kelly Middleton she had a brain tumor, her loved ones thought the worst. Middleton underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor at the beginning of April, and although it was larger and more difficult to remove than surgeons had anticipated, the operation was successful and the tumor was benign. Middleton’s friends, loved ones and her clients have pulled together all known resources to hold a parking lot sale and auction for her from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, in the parking lot of Mader-Bagley State Farm Insurance at 1916 Martin Drive in Weatherford. Middleton, a single mother of two, works at the Senior Center as an assistant case manager for seniors. She makes residential visits with homebound seniors to assess them for the Parker County Committee on Aging’s program of Meals on Wheels. Senior Center Executive Director Glenda Webb said Middleton is an “extreme champion of the senior.” “Not very many people find a job where they belong,” Webb said. “She’s really supposed to be here. She makes a difference. They love her and ask about her daily.” Seniors and staff from the center donated numerous things for the sale, including hand-crafted and crocheted items. Kim Bagley, of State Farm, said everyone pitched in to host the sale for Middleton to help her offset her current medical bills, including the bills expected from almost a year of therapy. “The doctors feel good about her prognosis, even after finding how damaging the tumor was,” Bagley said. “It will be six to 12 months before she can function normally. But she’s determined.” Theresa Middleton was happy to see the number of people who came to her daughter-in-law’s aid. “She’s a very special girl,” Middleton said of Kelly. “She’s always helping other people and always putting them first in her life. We’re having this benefit garage sale to help her out.” Middleton added Patty Mahoney, of Oakridge Church of Christ, jumped in with no hesitation to help with the benefit and even recruited people who did not know Middleton. Bagley said pitching in is just how the folks of Weatherford have always been. “This is going to be a huge sale,” Bagley said. “Kelly is so warm and loving. She’s always thinking of others. She deserves this help. It’s been hard on her girls.” Middleton is expected to be off work without pay for several months, and Bagley said she has a long recovery ahead of her. “She’s just now able to perform minor personal tasks without help,” Bagley said. Middleton remains in a therapy center and visiting hours are limited. Middleton’s daughters, Megan, 17, and Ronni Lynn, 11, miss their mother deeply. “They want their mother back,” Bagley said. “They’re hoping for their mother to bounce back soon.” A fund has also been set up at Weatherford National Bank in Middleton’s name. Those wishing to donate may drop by any WNB location and ask about the fund.