LEND A HAND: Motorcycle riders take fight against cancer to the streets

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Motorcyclists ride on Alabama Highway 171 in Northport in April 2009. More than 100 riders participated in McAbee Construction Inc.'s sixth annual DCH Help and Hope Prostate Cancer Fund Ride.
By Wayne Grayson Staff Writer
Over the years, McAbee Construction Inc. has been deeply affected by cancer, employee Sherry Sexton said.

'We've lost quite a few employees and loved ones to cancer here,' she said.

Sexton has felt the sting of cancer, too. She lost her father to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

But for the past six years, Sexton said the company has been doing what it can to combat cancer with its Takin' Cancer for a Ride motorcycle rally.

The ride benefits the DCH Regional Medical Center's Help and Hope Prostate Cancer Fund, which seeks to educate men and their loved ones about prostate cancer and the potentially life-saving benefits of early detection.

The fund also supports screening services for men and provides financial assistance for screening to those who cannot afford to pay all or part of the cost.

Sexton, along with Tracy Nalls-Square and Mike Copeland, coordinated this year's ride, which will start at the Northport Civic Center on April 10.

Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the ride to get under way at 11 a.m. The registration fee is $20 per bike.

Sexton said the ride will leave the civic center traveling on U.S. Highway 43 North before turning down County Road 63 near Berry and then heading to Highway 69 South via County Road 38. The ride will travel down Alabama Highway 69 South and end at Rhythm and Brews bar in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Riders should expect at least an hourlong ride and are encouraged to top off their gas tanks beforehand.

After the ride, the McAbee Pigfitters will serve barbecue. T-shirts will be on sale for $15. Nearly 200 door prizes will be given away ranging from T-shirts to a $3,500 welding machine, Sexton said.

McAbee is requesting monetary donations and door prize donations for the event, she said.

The company doesn't set a goal for money raised at the ride, but Sexton said the ride generated $15,000 last year.

'The community has been very giving towards the ride,' she said. 'And last year we had about 125 riders, but we've had as many 175.'

Sexton said cancer affects nearly everyone and the ride is a fun way to fight back.

'I can't think of anyone who doesn't know someone who has cancer or has had cancer that doesn't want to support those people,' she said. 'This is our way of helping those people to get better and get over their cancer and help fund research.'

Contact Sexton at 205-344-3098.

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