By Jim Lisk, Editor
Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 12, 2008 02:03 pm
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Allan Helms turned 60 this week, but since 2000, he’s not been able to continue his work as a welder. Debilitating health forced him to give up his welding career, a trade he applied for 22 years.
In just the past five years, Helms has suffered seven strokes, including four this past February. The last of these was a spinal cord stroke that has left him paralyzed from the chest down. He is also blind in his left eye, deaf in his left ear and has a hole in his heart in addition to being crippled with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
One key to his deteriorating health has been attributed to an inherited blood clotting disorder called factor V Leiden thrombophilia, which results in an increased tendency to form abnormal blood clots.
Despite all his medical issues, Helms continues to love life and was on a cruise with his wife, Norma, just before the four strokes hit him in February. The cruise was one featuring Elvis impersonator, Eddie Miles, a favorite performer for the Helmses.
Friends of the Helmses are doing a benefit show to raise money to off-set their medical bills.
“A Salute to Elvis and Patsy” will be at the Agri-Civic Center on June 7 at 7:30 p.m., with Miles performing as Elvis and Diane Bailey performing as Patsy Cline.
General admission is $25 and tickets may be purchased in advance at Oakboro Hardware, Jeff’s Barber Shop, TASS or Albemarle Music Store.
For more information, call (704) 986-3666 or (704) 982-5487.
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Photos
Allan and Norma Helms