mesothelioma

By WILLIAM SMITH

wsmith@thehawkeye.com

Never the kind to back down from a fight, area bikers will again unite Saturday to battle the deadly disease during the third annual Full Throttle for Life! Run for Fun.

Proceeds raised by ABATE, a statewide motorcycle organization that stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, will go directly to the American Cancer Society.

"So many of my friends have died from cancer, and I believe we should do all we can to get a cure for this stuff," said local biker and district 18 ABATE member Ron Steele.

The event began in honor of Ron's wife, Jeanie Steele, who died of small cell cancer in 2005. ABATE has raised more than $12,000 for the American Cancer Society since the event started three years ago, and members are hoping to raise even more money this year.

Jeff Edwards, owner of the Green Bay Tap in Wever, is one of the main organizers of the ride. He helped organize the past two rides as a tribute to his parents, both of whom died of cancer.
"It (cancer) has affected us all," Edwards said. "We invite everyone to attend."
The 280-mile ride will start at noon at the Crazy Coyote, 2505 Mount Pleasant St., with sign-up from 10:30 a.m. to noon. From there, the bikers will weave their way to various bars in West Point, Donnellson, Montrose, Keokuk and Niota, and will end up at Edwards' bar in Wever.

Those who participate will receive a playing card from each bar they visit, and the top three hands comprised of the playing cards will be awarded cash prizes.

The party will be far from over once everyone reaches the Green Bay Tap. Food and beer will be served starting at 2 p.m., and four bands -- Kross Kountry, Jefferson County Green Band, Rock Steady and the Smokin' MoJo Kings -- will play through the night.

A silent auction will be part of the activities, though Edwards said the group is still in need of either items or money donations. Some of the items that will be up for auction include a wheelchair ramp, tattoos from Starr Asylum, gift certificates for area businesses, such as Catfish Bend Casino, and two hours worth of free drinks, food and pool for 10 people at the Green Bay Tap.

Those who donate money also will have their name engraved on a plaque that will hang inside the Green Bay Tap.

This year's event will honor McKinsey Winslow, a 10-year-old Burlington girl diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Winslow hopes to become a doctor when she grows up so she can help other children with leukemia.
Last year's event was in honor of Dennis "Tunk" Fritz, who died last year with thymic carcinoma. His mother, Carol Fritz, continues to participate in the event to help other families stricken with cancer.

"We're doing this for the American Cancer Society so no other parent will have to suffer and watch their child pass away. We need to get a cure for this cancer, and the only way to do it is with money," Carol Fritz said.
Local band Poppa Squat will play during registration.

Participation is $5 for ABATE members and $7 for non-members. All types of vehicles are welcome.

For more questions or to make a cash or item donation to the auction, call Red at (319) 931-5039 or JeAnna Cox at (319) 750-5018.