Written by
Dee Loflin, Manager/Writer SMT

Dexter, Missouri - C.G. and Ann Edwards were injured in an automobile accident.  They had just watched their granddaughter, Shelby Edwards walk in the Grand March prior to Dexter's annual Prom on May 4th.  They were traveling home on highway 60 when they were rear-ended by an uninsured driver who fled the scene.  He was later arrested.

Ann was taken to a hospital in Cape Girardeau and later that night flown by plane to a St. Louis hospital.  She was nearly scalped and her injuries included a broken neck bone.  C.G. was released a few days later from the hospital with bruises and cuts. 

Ann said, "Thanks to a lot of prayers it was a miracle we survived."

CG later learned he had other health issues to contend with as he was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer.  "They have suffered enough," stated a very close friend.  "We are all praying for their quick recovery!"

The Modern Woodmen of America Summit Chapter members in Dexter, Missouri recently helped raise money for C.G. and Ann Edwards by hosting a bake sale at the Bloomfield Town & Country Grocery Store. The event was held on July 3rd, and raised $3,068.

Pictured are Ann Edwards, C.G. Edwards, Martha Walker, Jessie Robey, Pansy Dennis and Virginia Hopkins.

This included $1,534 from the Modern Woodmen who matched the funds through the Modern Woodmen’s home office.  The money will be used for expenses for the extensive injuries the Edwards received in the automobile accident and his now battle with cancer.

The Matching Fund Program offers Modern Woodmen members nationwide the chance to show their support for a community causes, organization or individual in need by holding fundraisers. Modern Woodmen matches’ money raised up to $2,500. These fundraising projects contribute $9 million to community needs nationwide each year.

“The community truly came together to support a local need,” says Mary Thorn, local Modern Woodmen contact.

Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, Summit Chapters provide fun and fulfilling experiences to fit the busy lifestyles of those 55 and over.

For more information or to get involved, contact Mary Thorn at 573-568-2489.

As a tax-exempt fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment* products not to benefit stockholders but to improve quality of life for our members, their families and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities. Annually, Modern Woodmen and its members provide nearly $29 million and 1 million volunteer hours for community projects nationwide.