A group of Douglas County residents have banded together to help raise needed funds for a local man who has spent most of his adult life as an educator and coach.

Coach Jermaine Lovejoy needs a lung transplant. And that is where Team Lovejoy comes in.

The father of Jalen, 10, and husband of Kimberly has not been able to work for three years, said his cousin Terri Griggs, who with Sandra Young, are organizing a benefit motorcycle ride on Lovejoy’s behalf.

Young was a teacher at Stewart Middle School when Lovejoy was an eighth-grade social studies teacher and football coach.

Lovejoy is a victim of pulmonary fibrosis, which is formation of excess fibrous tissue in the lungs. It is also described as scarring of the lung.

Team Lovejoy is sponsoring a benefit motorcycle ride Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will start and end at Deer Lick Park on Mack Road off Highway 92 in Douglasville.

“We’re hoping to have at least 100 riders,” said Young.

Kickstands are set to go up at 11 a.m. Lunch is included, along with entertainment by DJ Chris Griggs.

Cost is $25 for single riders and $35 for couple riders. Same day registration is $30 for singles and $40 for couples.

A free Team Lovejoy T-shirt will be given to the first 100 riders to sign up.

“We’re hoping to make this an annual event,” said Young. “He’s going to need care for a long time.”

Last month, Team Lovejoy sponsored a Three on Three and Celebrity Basketball game at Douglas County High School, she said.

The team is hoping to raise at least $20,000 for housing and transportation back and forth to Emory Medical Center for the transplant, Griggs said.

“His family will be needing a lot of financial help,” said his cousin.

Non-motorcycle riders are also welcome to participate, the organizers stressed.

“If anyone wants to sponsor or donate, please contact TeamLovejoy.com,” Young said. “We appreciate everything anyone can do to help.”

Information: Sandra Young, (404) 428-3227 or Terri Griggs, (678) 571-1871, visit www.teamlovejoy.com or www.facebook.com/Coach JermaineLovejoyLung TransplantFund.