Fund raiser will help woman who gives back to the community.

Jamie Spore

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

HAMLIN TWP. — The community is helping out a person who has devoted her life to helping others. On Saturday and Sunday, a fundraising event will be held to help out Jamie Spore. The 32-year-old Ludington resident was born with spina bifida. She is paraplegic with limited sensation above the knee and uses a wheelchair to get around.

Friends and supporters of Jamie’s are holding a fundraiser this weekend at Shagway Arts Barn on West Shagway Road, to help her with recent medical expenses.

In her 32 years, Jamie has had 28 surgeries. Recently she has battled pressure sores which have confined her to bed rest all but a few hours a day, said Nancy Miller, co-owner of the barn.

“Just because she was confined to bed rest or unable to do the things she wanted to, like hang out on the beach, she hasn’t complained and she doesn’t stop,” Miller said. “Instead, she has volunteered.”

Jamie is active in the Ludington Area Jaycees. She was the chair of this year’s Freedom Festival Fourth of July parade and fireworks, among other activities of the festival. In the past few years she has helped Disability Connection West Michigan and was active in helping with the Ludington Stearns Park beach accessible walkway project. She has also volunteered with the administrative offices at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

“Jamie is also known by many in the community because of her 9 mile route through Stearns Beach and down Tinkham Ave. where she loves to wheel,” Nancy said.  “She talks to folks along the way and many have seen her and been inspired.

“Recently, she was fitted with braces and a walker to enable her to walk, limitedly, which was an amazing triumph,” Nancy said.

But, on Monday she had a cystectomy and ileal conduit which will set her back again as she recovers for several months, unable to use this new skill.

Jamie earned an Associate’s Degree from West Shore Community College. But, her only income is from Social Security based on her disability. T

“This means she lives below the poverty level and has many medical bills that are simply not covered by Medicaid, which is the only insurance she is eligible for,” Nancy said.

“Jamie knows what it means to be part of a community.  It is time the community gave back to her.”

The event is Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. each day. It includes several bands and food designed to raise money for Jamie’s medical expenses. If you would like to make a donation, go to www.youcaring.com.