About the Event:

The Hot Dot Trot is a family-friendly, non-competitive event.
Strollers and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome! Please remember to pick up after your pet.
Check in will begin at 8:30am; the event will start at 9:00am.
Trotters will meet at the caboose at Wilkes Community College.
Choose from multiple distance options ranging from about 1/2 mile to about 1-1/2 miles.
There will be pancakes, fun, and photo opportunities at the finish!
Tee Shirts to all participants and volunteers until they run out (will go to first registered) - see shirt front and back below:

About "Hot Dot":

Dottie Shealy, nicknamed "Hot Dot" by the church youth, had two passions outside of her family: Jesus and children. Dottie was an advocate for life, volunteering time at the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center and helping many young parents choose life for their babies while making many friends along the way. For her there was no greater joy or miracle than welcoming a new life into the world! Much of her life was spent in Bible School and Sunday School classes as well as Daycare, working with children. But she didn't stop there. Dottie also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of babies, children, and adults through many mission trips. You can read more about this work in 'A Note from Frank' below. Dottie was a true servant of God, and her legacy lives on through the work of the Dottie Shealy Ministry Foundation.

A Note from Frank about the Dottie Shealy Ministry Foundation:

In the summer of 2005, my wife Dottie and I visited Kenya for the first time. We met Dr. Hal Burtchel and his wife Ruthann who managed a Christian ministry in the Nairobi slums to residents who face extreme poverty due to massive unemployment. (Unemployment in these slums is approximately 80%.) Living conditions there are as bad as any in the world.

We worked in Kebira and Kawangware, the two major slums in Nairobi. There, we met a young Kenya Baptist pastor, Meshack Chitiavi, and his wife, Beatrice. At that time, their family included a young son, Barnabas. Since then, their family has grown to include a daughter, Sharron.

Since 2005, we returned to Kenya over twenty times. Unfortunately, in 2013, Meshack lost his life due to cancer. Before his death, Dottie and I promised to support Beatrice and see that educational needs for Barnabas and Sharron would be provided, which has continued since then. On June 1, 2019, cancer claimed the life of my wife Dottie. At that point, our family, Stacy, Sandy, Jeff, and Susan, all discussed the formation of the Dottie Shealy Ministry Foundation to fund educational opportunities for deserving Kenyan students in addition to Barnabas and Sharron. It was such a God thing, and 501C-3 status was obtained.

At this point, in addition to assisting Beatrice with school expenses in Kenya, the foundation has assisted a Kenyan pastor with education expenses as he has continued his education in North Carolina, and a pre -med medical student at Mount Olive University in North Carolina. This student has since graduated from Mount Olive University and is preparing to continue his medical education, possibly at Duke University.

At a church youth camp several years ago, Dottie acquired the name "Hot Dot" from the kids. This nickname has stuck with her.

The "Hot Dot Trot" fundraiser is intended to help enable the Foundation to provide resources to continue this work. We certainly appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center for this event. Dottie worked at the center for several years, and this cause was dear to her heart.

Thank you for helping the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center and the Dottie Shealy Ministry Foundation as we continue with this work.

A Note from Psalms:

Growing up, I witnessed the impact of poverty and healthcare challenges within my community. Relatives selling assets to cover healthcare costs highlighted the need for improvement. My personal experience further underscored the inadequacies of the healthcare system.

Inspired by these events, I pursued Clinical Medicine and Surgery training as a Physician Assistant. After graduation, I worked with faith-based communities, delivering Primary Health Care. Post-graduation, I felt compelled to bridge the gap between providers, policymakers, and faith-based organizations. These organizations had the integrity and trust of the communities they served.

I pursued an opportunity to add to my skills and expertise by pursuing a role as a Global Health Practitioner, which I am currently in the process of.

I propose data-driven, innovative programs that enhance Primary Health Care access for underserved communities. Embracing science-based approaches and research, I seek to extend hope and care to underserved communities. My vision is to champion Healthcare for all individuals, whether in Kenya (my home) or Raleigh, North Carolina (where I currently live and work with my wife and daughter). In other words, I am a disciple of Jesus who uses my influence in health and wellness to advocate for needy communities.