Kayla Macemore has a promising future before her. Kayla, 19, graduated from Starmount High School in 2009 after a successful academic and cheerleading career. She then enrolled in courses at Surry Community College and, for the past year, has enjoyed living at home and spending time with family and friends.

Kayla's future plans, however, changed drastically on July 10, 2010, when she suddenly collapsed from a seizure after finishing a routine dance-aerobics class. After being transported to the hospital, doctors found that Kayla's seizure was the result of a benign brain tumor.

Kayla underwent brain surgery on Aug. 4, at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem and has spent the past month recovering at her home.

Fortunately, Kayla's condition has been steadily improving. She has received an outpouring of support from family, friends and the community in the month following her surgery.

Saturday, Sept. 11, this same show of support will be certainly be loud and visible as a benefit ride for Kayla travels through the streets of Jonesville.

According to Trish Puckett, a relative of Kayla's who is organizing the event, over 300 motorcycles are already scheduled to depart from the Exxon station on N.C. 67 in Jonesville at 11 a.m.

The benefit ride will roll through Jonesville and finish at Lila Swaim Park in Jonesville. At Lila Swaim Park, the afternoon's activities continue with a cookout, door prizes, a raffle and live music provided by the 4WD Band.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Macemore family in helping them cover the costs of Kayla's surgery. Kayla currently lacks health insurance and her family has been forced to cover the entire cost of her operation. Additionally, Kayla's younger sister, Casey, also has a health condition which places a greater financial burden on the family.

According to the Kayla's mother Tammy Macemore, community support has provided a tremendous relief – emotionally and financially – to a family in need.

A local zumba class led by Tabitha Sellars at the Elkin Recreation Center recently held a dance fundraiser in honor of Kayla. Also, Pat Couch, owner of a local Exxon gas station, held a bakesale at her store with proceeds going to the Macemores.

“It's wonderful what the community has come together and done for us once again and for all the prayers that have been said because a lot have been said for Kayla,” said Tammy.

Registration for the motorcycle ride benefitting Kayla Macemore is currently underway and lasts until Sat., Sept. 11. For more information, or to make a donation for Kayla, contact Trish Puckett at 835-5216.