The Kerri D. Efird Memorial Scholarship was established to carry on the memory of a very special person, whose life was cut very short, but in her 18 years accomplished more than most will in a long life span.
Our precious daughter, Kerri, passed away on February 21, 1999 at the age of 18. Kerri had cystic fibrosis and was a diabetic. We went to Duke, in Durham, NC, for regular check-ups for many years, as she was diagnosed at the age of 11 months. Around the age of 16, Kerri’s lungs, through reoccurring infections, no longer responded to antibiotics and was placed on the transplant list for a set of lungs. On May 10, 1997 (Mother’s Day), she underwent a double lung transplant. Kerri was a very strong and inspirational person who refused to give up. After transplant, Kerri was in the hospital for 11 weeks and then in rehab for 5 weeks at Duke Medical Center. We came home in August of 97; 1 week after school had started. She went back to school where she was in the 11th grade at West Stanly High School in Oakboro, NC. We did many rounds of IV’s for various complications at home, but Kerri who was very involved in Drama – The West Stanly Players, continued to go to school and keep up with her class. It finally became best for her to go on home bound, due to the monthly hospitalizations that had now started due to continued complications. But Kerri, being the strong person she was, she had actually completed the number of required courses for graduation in the fall of 1998 and decided to take on-line courses at our local community college.
Kerri did not get to walk across the stage at graduation with her class of 1999, in June of 99, but in spirit, she was there with us when her name was called for graduation and she was recognized for her academic achievements against all odds.
Kerri made such an impression on her teachers and fellow students, that a scholarship fund was established in her name. Kerri always wanted to help other people and never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her, even though she really had her own burdens to carry. She constantly relied on her faith in God, family and friends to carry her through some of her worst days. Kerri had agreed to be a chairperson prior to her death for the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk-a-Thon Event. Ironically on the day of her funeral, the packet came in the mail. We knew that she wanted to do this so Scottie and myself were committed to do this for her. We ride motorcycles, and in lieu of a walk, after talking with some of our friends, we decided to get our friends together and have a ride – the 1st Kerri D Efird Bike Run -in approx. 2 months we put together a ride that had 67 bikes & raised $3500. All in donations, the the first year the monies were given to the CF Foundation and The Kerri D. Efird Memorial Scholarship. We awarded 6-$500. Scholarships in June 1999 at West Stanly High School.
During the year of 99-00, the Scholarship fund made great strides of which we are very proud. We incorporated with the State of NC, filed & received Tax Exempt status from the IRS w/all contributions deductible as allowed by law, & appointed a Board of Directors.
For the 2nd KDE Bike Run, held on April 29, 1999 we had 110 bikes and raised approx. $4500 & awarded 4-$750 scholarships on June 2000 at West Stanly HS.
The 3rd KDE Ride was held on April 28,2001, once again a huge success, with 198 bikes, raising over $6000. We proudly gave 4, $1000. Scholarships in May 2001.
The 4th Annual Bike Run was held on April 29, 2002, and thankfully was another successful event. With an ominous sky, and cool temps, the day turned into a wonderful event raising $7000. On May 14, 2002 at the West Stanly Seniors Award Night, we proudly gave away once again 4-$1000. Scholarships to 4 deserving seniors.
The 5th Annual Bike Run was held on April 26, 2003, but the weather was not very friendly to motorcycles. Regardless of the rain, we still had 112 determined riders and once again raising approx $6000! On Senior Night in May, 2003 we once again awarded 4-$1000. Scholarships.
The 6th Annual KDE Memorial Bike Run was held on April 24, 2004 with the largest turnout yet with 234 motorcycles and approx $6500. being raised and once again for 2004 we awarded $4000 in Scholarships.
The 7th Annual KDE Bike Run was held on April 30, 2005 under a gray, rainy & cool sky but went on regardless with a show of 110 dedicated Bikers. Which all things considered still raised approx. $5500! We once again awarded $4000 in scholarships on Senior night in May 2005.
The 8th KDE Bike Run was held April 29, 2006 w/212 motorcycles and sunshine was our companion for the day with a total raised again of $6000 with history repeating itself we awarded $4000 in scholarships in May 2006.
The 9th Annual Kerri D. Efird Memorial Bike Run was held April 28, 2007, with the largest turnout yet of 253 motorcycles and raising over $11,000, and once again in May 2007 we awarded $4000 to four special seniors for a total awarded for the life of the Scholarship – $34,000.
The 10th Annual KDE Bike Run was held on April 26th, 2008 and approx $12,000 was raised & had a total of 250 motorcycles participating. On Seniors Award Night in May 2008 we awarded the 4-$1000. scholarships and in addition had 2- $500.awarded as this year was an extra special year as we reached a huge milestone in the life of the scholarship.
The 11th Annual KDE Bike Run was held on a blessed day on April 25, 2009, and had a huge turnout of bikes and supporters! We had 250 Bikes and had a safe ride – and raised $11,000 in donations. WSHS Senior Awards night was held on May 28th, 2009 and we again awarded 4 – $1000 scholarships to 4 deserving Seniors!
The 12th KDE Bike Run was held on April 24, 2010 and with the threat of rain the turnout was not as large as previously but we still had 190 bikers turnout raising $11,500. a wonderful day after all! We awarded – 5-$1000. Scholarships on June 3, 2010 – this year we had one extra dedicated to the Memory of Kyle Allen, who tragically was taken from us too soon, as his family remembered him thru Memorials dedicated to the KDE Scholarship Fund, of which we were very honored to receive in his memory.
The 13th Kerri D. Efird Memorial Scholarship Bike Run was held on April 30th and was a huge success. We went with the theme of Lucky #13 and had perfect bike riding weather, it was safe with 232 Bikes & approx. 500 people enjoyed BBQ & all the fixings. Total for this year’s ride raised $13,716 and We awarded 6-$1000. Scholarships on June 3 @ the Seniors Awards Night @ West Stanly.
The 14th KDE Bike Run was held on April 28th & $12,000. was raised w/ a total of 212 motorcycles for another great ride & May 29, 2012 we awarded $5000 total – 4, $1000 and 2, $500. scholarships. As in years past, April 27, 2013 being the last Sat. in April, the 15th KDE Bike Run was held with cool temps and the threat of rain, but in spite of all, 142 bikes participated and $11,500. was raised. On May 23, 2013, 4, $1000 scholarships were awarded.
As in years past, April 27 2013, being the last Sat in April, the 15th KDE bike run was held with cool temps and the threat of rain but in spite of all, 142 bikes and $11,500 raised. We awarded May 23, 2013, four more $1000. Scholarships.
The 16th KDE Bike Run was held on April 26, 2014 with a beautiful sun & fun filled day. We had 147 bikes and raised $11,330. We awarded for 2014 Senior Awards Night @ West Stanly HS, 4 more $1000 scholarships. With this being said, the rest is a testament to Kerri’s life & after the 2014 awards were presented, we have awarded $67,000, to graduating seniors at West Stanly High School since the beginning of the Scholarship.
The 17th KDE Bike Run was held on April 25, 2015 with a gray and omnious sky, which showed no mercy to the bike riders. It was a cold April day but even with that we had 32 brave bikers that came and rode to Cox’s HD. We also had a huge turnout of family and friends that came in between the ride leaving and returning to enjoy a great day regardless of the weather. We raised $9700. even with the weather not playing nicely. On May 21st, We awarded 5, $1000. scholarships to 5 young adults that were very deserving.
The 18th KDE Bike Run held on April 30, 2016, was very emotional, as Kerri was only 18 years old when She passed away – and this in itself made it very emotional for us, but it was a great turnout with 132 bikes and $11,000. being raised. We awarded 4, $1000. scholarships on Senior Night to 4 worthy Seniors once again and it was a honor being a part of this ceremony.
With this being said, the rest is a testament to Kerri’s life ,we have awarded $77,000., to graduating seniors at West Stanly High School since the beginning of the Scholarship to graduating seniors at WSHS.
Please continue to pray for all involved in this monumental effort! The Bike Run is very important to this endeavor, as it is the sole support of the Scholarship Fund, along with donations from corporations/companies/& individuals such as yourself. Please keep everyone involved w/ the Bike Run in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to keep KERRI’s Memory alive!
As you can see, our daughter, was a very brave and determined young lady. With the continued support of our family & friends, we strive to keep our daughters strong & determined faith alive, and by doing this, to help others continue their education, and carry on the memory and undying spirit of our daughter Kerri.
Thank you for your time and interest. Please feel free to call with any questions/concerns. Once again, thank you for your support in our endeavor to carry on our precious daughter’s memory.
In Kerri’s Memory,
Scott & Tracy Efird (aka..Kerri’s Daddy & Mommy)