Eddie Holmes coached and taught at UMS-Wright for 30 years. During his time at UMS, his teams had many victories and won numerous championships. However, winning was not enough, Eddie prided himself mostly on making his students and athletes better people. Because of this, Eddie was able to form lifelong relationships and touch the lives of many individuals, not only at UMS-Wright, but also in the community. Even during the last days of his life, he was still encouraging others. Just prior to his death, he was interviewed by Channel 5. The day after this interview, he was taken for a treatment, and another cancer patient came by his room and thanked him for his message and his fighting spirit. His interview gave this individual a reason to continue to fight this disease.

During Eddie's fight against Cancer, it became apparent that this disease not only has a drastic effect on the patient but also on the family. HIs family also realized how far reaching this dreadful disease "Cancer" has become.

1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females will develop Cancer in his or her lifetime.

About 1,400,000 new Cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2006.

Today alone, cancer kills about 1 American every minute or about 1,500 people every 24 hours.

Right now in about the time it will take for you to read this information: five more people were diagnosed and two more people died from Cancer. These numbers are not only staggering but also scary. However, the good news is that 8.9 million people are alive today as a result of progress in cancer research.

Because of these facts and after watching not only Eddie but also other Cancer patients and their families suffer, his son Beau decided to try to help. In February of 2003, BeauI formed the Eddie Holmes Foundation. The Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing patient services to improve the quality of life for those already suffering from Cancer and to provide the necessary funding for research so that one day Cancer is defeated.

Please join Eddie's family and help make a difference in the fight against Cancer. Each individual contribution, combined with others, will not only help those already suffering from Cancer but it will generate progress toward a cure.

For volunteer opportunities or contribution information, please call 334-799-7283 or send an email to Beau Holmes bholmes@jimbishopcabinets.com