OFF THE WIRE
SHADY HILLS - At first glance, Rachel and Jacob appear to be typical youngsters.
Rachel, 9, dreams of growing up to be a marine biologist. Jacob, 5, loves anything associated with the "Star Wars" movies.
But both face a life-threatening disease, cystic fibrosis.
They are the children of Ray Meddaugh, a corporal with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, and his wife, Wendy, a surgical technician for Baycare Health Systems.
The inherited disorder is characterized by a buildup of mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs.
Insurance pays only so much toward Jacob's and Rachel's care. Meddaugh and his family have been incurring enormous expenses for care and treatment of the youngsters.
That's where Defenders MC, Suncoast Chapter, comes into the picture.
The group is planning its first Defenders 10-24 fundraiser Sunday to benefit the Meddaugh family. Members are teaming with the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency to host the event.
The benefit will take place at the Rotary Pavilion, near Safety Town at the Concourse complex on State Road 52, a bit west of the Suncoast Parkway. A motorcycle ride is planned at 1 p.m., and most festivities will be 2 to 6 p.m.
The Defenders is a fraternal motorcycle club for active and retired law enforcement, emergency services, military, government and public safety professionals, and a few select civilians who meet strict criteria for membership, T "Stranger" Harris explained as the local chapter president.
"We reflect a positive image within our communities, and we like it that way," Harris wrote in a letter publicizing the benefit.
The Defenders are looking for sponsors, donations, contributions for a silent auction and drawings, or any other assistance contributors might care to provide.
For information, call K. "Krimp" Britt at (813) 841-5577 or R. "Bandit" Gartenberg at (727) 919-2412.
The website at www.suncoastdefenders.com also provides details by clicking on the "10-24" link.
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