CULLMAN – At Cullman Regional Medical Center, 99 bikers and 49 co-riders lined up to ride. Who were they riding for? They were riding for mothers, fathers, family and friends. They were riding for cancer victims. People who have been to hell and back or are still going through it.
The Fourth Annual Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation charity motorcycle ride, Bikers Against Cancer, took place last week with motorcyclists from all over the area. Chick-fil-A of Cullman, Hardee’s (Cullman North Shopping Center), and Jack’s of Holly Pond donated breakfast sandwiches for all the bikers. Lunch was prepared by Cullman Regional Medical Center.
Lori McGraff, president of Bosom Buddies, was among the riders who departed for the 200-mile ride. The day’s route took the bikers all the way down in to Blount County, where they visited two covered bridges. The group then proceeded to Hanceville Park, which was the halfway point, for refreshments. After continuing on to yet another covered bridge, the motorcyclists headed back to the hospital.
Deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Cullman City Police Department escorted the bikers, along with the Cullman chapter of the Blue Knights AL XVI motorcycle club.
Bikers Against Cancer raises money through donations, door prize drawings, T-shirt sales and cookbooks. The cookbooks were put out by The Cullman Shoppers Guide and included recipes from all of the Cullman Bosom Buddies. Around $400 was donated, and that is not even including all the items sold.
Mary Dyer, vice president of Bosom Buddies, explained, “Bosom Buddies helps patients with cancer or those that are in treatment. We help pay any bills they may need help with, but we don’t just give out money. We recently helped a woman with dental work because she couldn't get her chemo until she received the dental work needed.”
The nonprofit organization helps people with all kinds of cancer, not only breast cancer. Bosom Buddies gives a helping hand to cancer victims all over Alabama, not just Cullman. They also help patients with medical bills, no matter where in Alabama they receive treatment.
“We've been through cancer also. And when you have all those medical bills, you gotta worry about who's gonna pay my light bill. And someone reaching out to you and helping you means so much. We do it because people helped us. We do it to help other people; we're paying it forward,” Bea Kegler, Bosom Buddies member said.
If you or someone you know is a victim of cancer and in need of assistance, set up an appointment to meet with the Bosom Buddies.
Contact Mary Dyer at 256-339-0911.
You can call also Cullman Regional Medical Center and talk to a nurse navigator to make an appointment.
Dyer passionately gave thanks to many different people and organizations. “Firstly to CRMC for use of the hospital and for lunch, and especially to Dennis Marshall. The Southern Biker Magazine furnished the Bikers Against Cancer fliers which helped get the word out about the event. David Sandlin, president of the Blue Knights, Kenny Culpepper and Matt Gentry for the escort. Thank the bikers most of all; without them this wouldn't be possible.”
Kegler gave her thanks as well, “Thank our Lord our Savior for helping others. We are here because of him and he wants us to love others. This is a way to touch others.”
In a letter dated Oct. 17, the Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation wrote:
Bikers supported this event with great numbers. This ride attracted 99 motorcycles and 49 additional riders. We are so grateful to everyone for their participation and support. The Blue Knights Motorcycle Club planned the route and when unexpected events arose they were there to assist. The Blue Knights, along with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and the Cullman City Police Department led the route and blocked roads as needed. This helped to keep everyone safe during the ride. Some of the bike clubs to ride were: Blue Knights Alabama XVI, Blue Knights XVIII, Sons of Liberty, Bikers Against Child Abuse Hurricane Creek Chapter, Swamp Ratz Army Veterans, just to mention a few. We thank you all!!
A special thanks to other support:
CRMC and Dennis Marshall
All the Officers that kept the ride safe!!
Brian Keith, Cullman Farmers Co-Op
Charlies Leather
Walker Brothers, LTD
Auto Zone
NAPA-Truck Parts
Ray Hays, Advance Auto Parts
Cullman Power Board
Kristie Williams,
Cullman Therapeutic Massage
Chick-Fil-A
Jack’s, Holly Pond
Hardee’s, North Shopping Center
Pepsi Cola
Copyright 2016 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
