The sounds of rolling thunder will echo through the Alleghenies as the Kids and Cancer Benefit Run returns July 26. The benefit returns for its 28th year raising hope, awareness and vital funds for local individuals and families in need.

The fun starts July 25 during the pre-run party and motorcycle show. Come out and enjoy some spectacular bikes from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ace Hardware parking lot, 200 W. Washington St. All types of bikes are welcome. There will be food and drinks, music and prizes. The event is sure to set the mood for the ride to follow.

Registration for the benefit run begins at 9 a.m in the Zippo parking lot July 26. It is $25 per person or $15 per passenger.

Speaker Lorie Sisler will address the crowd at 11:30 a.m. Sisler is one of the many local cancer survivors who have been helped by Kids and Cancer.

“She has had a very inspiring journey and written a book about her experience,” said Dorie Meabon, of the board of directors. “We thought she would be a perfect person to choose as our speaker this year.”

The Rev. Lee Beckes will perform a Blessing of the Bikes at about 11:45 a.m. Then, kickstands go up promptly at noon. Law enforcement and fire trucks will escort the parade of bikes through downtown Bradford. As is tradition, locals are expected to line the streets and cheer the bikers on.

“It really is something to see,” said Jim Copeland, of the event committee. “The kids just love to see the bikes and support from the community lining the streets means a lot to the riders.”

This year’s 100-mile run includes fewer stops than in the past, giving participants more time to enjoy good company and the open road.

“Each year we talk to people and try to accommodate their suggestions,” said Copeland. “That is why we decided to have fewer stops.”

The updated route includes stops at the Eldred American Legion, Tubby’s Tavern in Emporium and the Crosby American Legion before bringing riders back to East Main Street in Bradford for the afterparty.

“This way, people will have enough time to stay and visit each other at each location,” said Meabon. “But they want to be back at 5 p.m. to have their score cards turned in.”

The afterparty event is open to the public, whether they are bikers or not.
“We encourage everyone to come down and enjoy the food and festivities,” said Copeland.

Guests will be able to sign up for the 50/50 drawing or for a chance to win amazing prizes such as this year’s Harley of Hope. This year’s bike is a six-speed 2025 Street Glide in billiard grey. It features a 117 cubic inch liquid cooled motor and fixed fairing on the front.

“It’s a beautiful machine,” said Copeland.

There is also a custom, one-of-a-kind Case knife up for grabs. In the past, the organization has raffled off a Case Bowie knife, but that model of knife was retired last year. This year’s Kids and Cancer blade is unlike any other.

“What they did for us this year was make a one-off production just for us,” said Copeland. “There will never be another one like it made, so it is pretty special.”

Live music at the event will come from Siren’s Echo, one of the area’s newest and most talked-about local bands.

This year will hopefully mark a major milestone for the Kids and Cancer committee, as the group expects to surpass its $1 million mark in total donations.

“We are very, very close right now,” said Meabon. “After this event we will tally all the numbers and hopefully be able to make the million-dollar announcement.”

Kids and Cancer donates its money to charities and needy individuals and families who live within a 100-mile radius. While help can take many forms, people usually receive a $500 visa gift card to help with expenses associated with their treatment.

“Sick people and their loved ones have so many expenses that come up along the way,” said Meabon. “We help with everything from utility bills to groceries, hotel stays and filling up the gas tank to get to and from their treatment.”

And that need is growing each year. Last year, the organization helped 53 families. So far this year, they have already helped 80.

The board meets monthly to analyze and approve aid requests, but they make special arrangements if needed.

“Some of these people have an immediate need that can’t wait for a month and if that is the case we vote online,” said Meabon. “People would be surprised at how many families need our help.”

Kids and Cancer also donates to a long list of local charitable initiatives and organizations. This includes but is not limited to CARE for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Buffalo Children’s Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy Camp for Kids, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo.

“The entire organization is run by volunteers,” said Copeland. “The money we raise goes right into the hands of the people who need it most.”

Those who need aid can request it by filling out the form at kidsandcancerbenefitrun.com.