Riding for Ray

Great men do walk among us. In most cases, they don’t gain fame and fortune through their greatness. They don’t generally look any different than the rest of us “normal humans” either, and you may not even know you’ve walked past greatness if you pass them on the sidewalk They personally think they are one of the “normal people,” but when you are blessed to be in their presence there is an unmistakable quality that you feel in your soul. Just by being near them, they make you want to be better, stronger, and more like them. Some of us may even go through life without actually being in the presence of one of “them.” However, by luck or divine design, the horse community of Hampton Roads, Virginia has had the wonderful fortune to have greatness among them in the person of Ray Norman.

Ray is a master horseman and a professional horse whisperer. He has a gift that has truly touched every person and their equine partners who have sought his help.  Ray’s skills as a horseman are the small part of what defines him as “great.” The larger, more important piece of Ray’s “greatness” is his passion to help others. Unfortunately, this man who is loved by his family, friends and admired by all who know him for his strength and integrity is again a man in need of the help of his community.

Ray’s cancer diagnosis has recently advanced to Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. Ray is engaged in the battle of his life and continues the daily fight to overcome challenges that are at times physically debilitating and always psychologically draining. The horse community of Hampton Roads has already demonstrated an extraordinary solidarity coming together to help Ray as he struggles with his illness, and he thanks each and every one of you. Unfortunately, as this disease progresses, it has taken a greater toll than imagined on the family’s financial resources, especially since Ray often cannot perform the demanding physical aspects of his job as a horse trainer. The family needs a well to have fresh water for their home and doctors hope to put Ray on a newly approved drug, but those things are currently out of their grasp. We are asking you once again, to do what you can to help this great man and ease the psychological stress so he can focus on healing.

Thank you; NO amount is too small. Pennies make dollars!

Michele DeVinney Schmoll & Stephanie Porter Sieradzki

Donations can be made at any Southern Bank location under the Ray Norman Medical Fund
 https://www.southernbank.com/ brlocations.php

Or checks can be made to Ray Norman Medical Fund and send to:
Southern Bank
Attn: Sonya Payne
P.O. Box 51
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

 Keytruda is the new FDA approved melanoma drug which can cost up to $12,500 a month