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PIERCETON — “We all know somebody who has cancer,” said Sue Barton.
That’s why Barton wanted to help organize a fundraiser for those battling the disease.
The first-ever Glow’n and Roll’n for Cancer night ride will be Saturday, Sept. 13, and is hosted by Keith Harris Agency – American Family Insurance and KosBroSis. Proceeds from the event are going for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, which covers household expenses for those battling the disease.
People may sign up for the ride the day of from 6-9 p.m. at Maverick Motorcycle, 8705 E. US 30, Pierceton. The cost is $10 for each bike and $20 for each vehicle. Passengers pay a $5 fee.
People may attend even if they don’t want to participate in the ride. There will be a DJ to entertain the crowd and a food truck.
“From 7-8 p.m. we’re actually going to have testimonies from survivors, testimonies from loved ones that have been by their sides as they battled the … cancer,” said Kierstyn Jones, adding Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund social worker Laura Deal-Decker will also talk.
The ride kicks off at 9 p.m. and should last about two hours, said Jones. It will split into two routes and return to Maverick Motorcycle afterward. People are encouraged to deck out their bikes or vehicles with lights or glow-in-the-dark items to fit the Light Up the Night theme.
Jones said Barton had originally wanted to do a walk to raise money, but with people getting busy, the group opted to stick with “what we know.”
“Next year, we’re either going to stick with the same thing (of the ride) or we’re going to try something different, but we’ll see how this one turns out,” said Jones.
If people can’t attend the event, they may give to the fund by going to cancercarefundkc.org.
It was Amy Mullins who suggested giving the proceeds to the Cancer Care Fund. She’s two months in remission from cancer and used the fund while battling the disease.
“I just really want to see this work out so well because you guys have been great to me,” said Mullins, referring to those with the fund.
“We appreciate support from the community as every dollar that’s raised goes directly to cancer patients’ bills while they are in treatment,” said Deal-Decker. “A lot of people are off work for awhile, and they still have household bills they have to keep up with. This added stress just makes the whole situation harder, so anything we can do to help our neighbors go through a difficult time.”
Jones added helping those with cancer is “something near and dear to our hearts and what a way to give back (through the ride).”
