A Time of Reflection

It's been four years since we lost our daughter, wife, and mother Percilla Hodge, to Pneumococcal Meningitis. It is also our fourth year of hosting the Pork & Torque Car Show in Woodstock, GA. As we discussed this year's car show, we thought we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to reflect on not what we as a community have achieved, although we are truly grateful for all who have supported and continue to support our efforts. But, we wanted to reflect on what we have learned. 

First, the loss of Percilla has taught us that we are more resilient than we could ever have imagined. As a family, along with our friends and community, we were able to take this great tragedy of losing our loved one and turn it into something positive. Forming the PAMAH Foundation was a way to honor Percilla. She was a beautiful spirit who believed in God, family, and community. We hope, as an organization, we have honored her memory and the values she embodied. PAMAH will be forever grateful to Cherokee County, our friends, and our family who support us as we try to stand up as a nonprofit organization.

Our second lesson, people always come together for a good cause. Regardless of race, religion, or political affiliations, as Americans, we come together for a good cause and support one another. The PAMAH Foundation had no idea how to help our community when we started. As an organization, the important thing was discovering ways to positively impact our community. Since forming the foundation, we have awarded 3 college scholarships to 3 well-deserving Cherokee County Students. We are also partnering with local medical offices and pharmacies to ensure families have access to important vaccines and health care. We choose one local nonprofit every year to serve on National Community Services Day (9/11). We have learned that some larger organizations would not partner with us because we are a fledgling nonprofit. But PAMAH did not get discouraged, we soldiered on and continued to do what we could with those willing to partner with us to positively impact our community. We are extremely grateful to live in a community that can set aside differences and work together toward a common goal.

Lastly, the Cherokee County family, and we are a family, is phenomenal. The PAMAH Foundation was founded by Shaquille Hodge, Danielle Hodge, and Chris Thom. The Hodge Family is a family of Army Veterans who have lived and served this country from various stations all over the world. The family decided to settle in Cherokee County several years ago because of the small town "feel" and sense of community we experienced. The ability to know and work with community leaders, side by side, is refreshing. We love Cherokee County, GA and appreciate the support we have received from the Woodstock City Police Department, the Aroundabout Local Media, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and various individuals and small businesses in the community. As we begin to prepare for our 5th Annual Pork & Torque Car Show, we are grateful above all else. PAMAH is grateful for the lessons we have learned along the way, the people we have met, and the community in which we live and work. We hope you will stand with us and support us for another 5 years and beyond as we raise awareness, educate, and provide scholarships for our students. Thank you!