Charity Ride For The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

By: Len Montgomery

Like many events this year, the Angier Bike Fest was cancelled as a result of the Governor’s Phase 2 restrictions. The annual charity ride associated with the bike fest was also cancelled, leaving an empty place in people’s hearts and the bank account of the charity it supports, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. And while it wasn’t possible to undo missing of the festivities, Tony and Arlene Mabry and Seven Sabres Brotherhood were able to arrange the charity ride which ultimately took place October 17, 2020. It was kind of a chilly morning when the registration table opened at 9 am, but it was soon in the 50’s and a beautiful day for a ride. So, after riders were set and a prayer was offered up for a safe ride, 47 bikes fired up at once and shook the little community of Angier. As we pulled out, led by Seven Sabres Brotherhood, the ride took us through some beautiful backroads in route to the Deep River Camelback Truss Bridge which spans the Deep River from Lee and Chatham Counties. We pulled in at the Deep River Park in Gulf, NC and the bikes pretty much overwhelmed the parking. But it was a beautiful space with river access, a shelter up on a hill for small gatherings, and of course the bridge (which can actually be reserved for parties as it turns out). It was a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy nature and fellowship. After stopping at a nearby store for gas and refreshments, we all headed back toward Angier and Vicious Fishes, a local brewery. As we pull into the parking lot, we are treated to music by Rebel Fox, assortment of patches and other wares by Birdie’s Beads (best patch seamstress in the Carolinas), H&J It’s The Bombay food truck, and of course cold beer brewed on site. As we relaxed and took in the food, music and beer, I had the opportunity to meet several people, but two stood out. First was Roland Cargill who is a Task Force Leader with Ride for Kids Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in the Triangle and also Director with Bull City HOG. The second person was the real star of the day however, 24 year old Jessica Blankenship. She was on the ride with us as she celebrates 20 years brain tumor free!! Congratulations Jessica!! At a very young age, Jessica was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in her left temporal lobe called Ganglioglioma. At the age of 4, she underwent surgery for the brain tumor. And as she tells it, the surgery left her needing to relearn everything she had learned in her 4 short years. That’s a lot to overcome for anyone. But overcome she did. Not only has she been tumor free for 20 years, but she has graduated high school, is attending Elon University where she is doing great and working towards a psychology degree. Quite a remarkable success story for Jessica and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation which she considers as her family. And she is giving hope to countless families whose children are going through similar health issues. Over $1,400 was raised to support the foundation. Of course, there were numerous sponsors outside of the riders that day. RLT Construction, Ace Hardware, The Propane Store, ProGunNC, Vicious Fishes, Thomas Reichenbacher and Subway all contributed to the cause. But as Arlene Mabry said, “This is all about the kids, making sure they get better so they can just be kids.” I couldn’t agree more. Don’t worry if you were unable to be there this year for the ride, you can still contribute by contacting Tony and Arlene, Jessica’s Journey webpage (https://team.curethekids.org/team/262387) or the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation website. And the Angier Bike Fest will be back for the 20th year in 2021 (the first weekend of June) with a weekend of fun and another charity ride. Mark your calendars and I’ll plan to see you there!

Jessica Blankenship