Help Gerald and Martha Create Lasting Memories

Dear Madison Central High School Jaguars, Mississippi College Choctaws Baseball Family and friends of the Ray's,

As teammates, coaches, parents, and fans, we’ve shared countless unforgettable moments on the field and in the stands. Today, we have an opportunity to rally once again for one of our own—Coach Gerald Ray.

For the past three-plus years, Gerald has been courageously battling Ocular Melanoma and Liver Cancer, showing the same grit, determination, and humor he brought to every practice, every game, and every challenge he faced as a coach and player. He is currently participating in a clinical trial at Vanderbilt University, and while he continues to fight with unwavering strength, the journey has been physically and emotionally taxing for both Gerald and Martha.

We’re reaching out to ask for your help in raising $15,000 to give Gerald and Martha a gift they truly deserve- a much-needed vacation and to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses. This isn’t just about a break from the exhausting routine of treatments, doctor visits, and uncertainty. It’s about giving them a chance to create beautiful memories together with their family, to relax and recharge, and to check off a few items on Gerald’s bucket list—things that have been waiting for the "right time" amid life’s challenges.

Imagine Gerald and Martha enjoying a serene getaway to their dream destination, soaking in sunsets, exploring places they’ve always wanted to visit, or simply spending uninterrupted quality time together. Whether it’s visiting a ballpark he’s always dreamed of seeing, taking a road trip to a cherished spot, or experiencing an adventure he’s been longing for, this vacation would be a celebration of their love, resilience, and the indelible mark they’ve left on all of us.

We’d like to keep this effort a surprise and present Gerald and Martha with a check during the 1984 Mississippi College Baseball Reunion on April 4-5. It will be a moment filled with joy, gratitude, and the kind of support that only a team—on or off the field—can provide.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will make an incredible difference. Let’s show Coach Ray and Martha that their baseball family is here for them, cheering them on along this journey just as we’ve done through every inning, every game, and every season.

Thank you for joining us in this special mission to honor and support two incredible people who have given so much to so many.

With gratitude and team spirit.

Friends of Gerald and Martha