Mickey Starling
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jim Cuyler is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County who has worked for Madison Metals for over 40 years. In the last three years, his health has steadily declined due to heart problems that also damaged his kidneys. Cuyler has not worked for most of that time and is now on an organ transplant waiting list for a heart and kidney.
“The transplants will take place at Shands Hospital, in Gainesville, Fla.,” said Cuyler’s wife, Ruthie. “We just have to be ready when we get the call.”
Cuyler has many friends in Madison and Jefferson counties and their support and encouragement have been helpful in keeping his spirits up during this ordeal.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Ruthie, who noted that Cuyler has lost almost 100 lb. in the last six months.
Not only is the family facing an enormous financial burden from the medical procedures, the recovery time is estimated at six months, which will require Ruthie to take a lengthy time off from her job with Labcorp as a phlebotomist.
A trail ride is scheduled as a fundraiser for Cuyler on Saturday, March 7, at 672 Horseshoe Rd., in Monticello, beginning with a meet and greet at 11 a.m. The cost to ride is $20 and donations are appreciated. The family has a Cash App account set up for $Reginaldcuyler.
Dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides and UTVs are welcomed to ride. For more information about the ride or how you can help, call 850-274-9768.