After the story of Ben’s heart transplant was published in the Montgomery Advertiser, I was contacted by a local mother, Vickie Lloyd, who is affiliated with “Team Alabama”. Vickie’s son, Carter Lloyd, was a liver recipient when he was almost two years old. He is now 13 years old and doing fine.

Vicki sent the following message:

Hello!

Today many of us here is Montgomery celebrated with your family. At Fain Park last night and today, The Police and Fireman’s Insurance Association held their Second Annual Charity Softball Tournament to benefit Team Alabama.

“Team Alabama” is made up of transplant recipients and donor families from across Alabama who travel every other year to the U.S. Transplant Games. One of our moms brought the morning paper to share your article. With excitement and understanding, we were all filled with joy for your family.

We are sending a “care package” which includes some of the activities of the day and we look forward to welcoming you back to Montgomery in the near future. Among our famlies and friends today were liver recipients, heart recipients, kidney recipients, and donor families. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. 

Vicki Lloyd

I met Vicki and Carter a few days later when she dropped off the care package. Included in the package were sailboat kits for Ben and his older brother, Blake.

Blake is a master builder and had his boat nailed together in a matter of minutes. He enjoyed showing it off.

Ben and family would like to thank Vickie, Carter, and Team Alabama for their support.

Also — thanks to Vicki — I have added several web links about organ donation on the “About this site” page.

What:     Benefit Concert

When:    May 5th, 2007

Where:   Down the Street Cafe - See Map - Gayle Royal, Owner

Website: http://www.downthestreetcafe.com/

Time:     4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tickets/Donations: $20 per person (tickets on sale now or at the door)

Menu:    Boston Butt or Chicken, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and tea.

Bands scheduled to perform:

Mighty Soul Shakers

Sweet Younguns

Mac Cone 

Charlie C. & the Cuzmatics

Dr. FeelGood

Cruzin

Filthy Wilma

Ray Goss & Friends

Andy Norman

Billy Ferguson

There will also be a silent auction. Donations are being accepted now at Down the Street Cafe.