Following in the footsteps of his father, “Doc” Cannon chose to be a country doctor. After he had worked with renowned Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa, he returned to America and chose to serve the poorest areas of Appalachia. These were his own people living in remote, mountainous areas who could not easily reach health care. Balsam Grove became his home again where his father had been the community’s doctor and had ridden by horse over the same paths that Doc would later drive his Scout International. He conquered feet-deep, muddy ruts and snow-and-ice covered rocky hills, to reach those in need of his help. Though it was frequently a struggle, somehow he always made it.

Three of the reasons he did this work are standing in the open doorway of this humble cabin.