The Taylors Free Medical Clinic – born in the hearts of community leaders who had been actively engaged in international medical missions work for years, primarily through the highly successful Mo-Med ministry of Taylors First Baptist Church – held its annual spring gala May 22 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville.
Representative Dan Hamilton and physician Jim Hayes listen as Russell Ashmore responds to a resolution of appreciation from the state legislature.Emceed by Tony Beam, who directs the Christian Worldview Center at North Greenville University, the event featured an address by Olympic Gold Medalist ice skater Scott Hamilton, who also is a cancer survivor. In fact, Hamilton, who also has gained recognition as a skating commentator, actor, performer, producer, Emmy Award nominee, best-selling author, role model, humanitarian and philanthropist, told the large audience of medical clinic supporters that the title that means the most to him is “cancer survivor.”
Hamilton, who has two sons by wife Tracey after fears that his cancer would prevent his having children, said it is his wife who “wanted him to have a better relationship with Christ,” and that he has “given his life over to God.”
Olympic Gold Medalist and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton inspires the audience at the spring gala.Following his diagnosis of cancer along with the later development of a brain tumor, Hamilton realized finally that “the experience (of cancer) is exactly what I make it,” noting that his motto now is “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
Russell Ashmore, who heads Ashmore Brothers, Inc., in Taylors and a leader in establishing the clinic, which opened in 2005, received a special honor during the event. Dan Hamilton, who represents Greenville County’s District 20 in the South Carolina House of Representatives, presented to Ashmore a resolution adopted by the South Carolina Legislature in recognition of his “lifelong dedication of service to the community.” Ashmore is vice chairman of the clinic’s board of directors.
The purpose of the clinic, which is a faith-based organization, is to offer primary health care at no cost to the ever-growing number of people with low incomes and no health insurance. Its executive director is Karen Salerno. Physician Jim Hayes, who was active in the Mo-Med ministry and volunteers at the clinic, is chairman of the board of directors.