Retired veteran, musician battles cancer, organizes benefit concert for a cure
Texas Land & Catttle, Buffalo Wild Wings support Bikers Against Cancer
(Dallas) July 2012 – “Have you ever had a family member or someone you loved diagnosed with cancer? If so, you’ll understand my determination to help find a cure,” writes Rick Kackley of Plano.
The disabled military veteran, musician and motorcycle enthusiast has made it his mission to help others win their fight against cancer, even as his own four-year battle with the disease takes a devastating, personal toll.
Kackley describes his life with lung and throat cancer as “a roller coaster, a daily challenge,” complicated by an inoperable brain tumor that causes migraines. The 59-year-old has undergone radiation and chemotheraphy, and currently awaits testing to determine future treatment.
With faith in God and a network of family and friends that have each other’s “bac,” Kackley formed “Bikers Against Cancer,” a fast-growing Facebook group of more than 600 bike enthusiasts, musicians and supporters who share his passion for a cure.
“Together we can make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer,” Kackley writes on the FB page.
In March, Kackley and a friend, Bruce Armstrong, made an 18-day ride from Dallas to the California coast to raise money for a cure. “This was a ‘bucket list’ wish for me, and quite an accomplishment,” Kackley said.
Now, with a little help from his friends, Kackley is organizing a benefit concert – the “Concert Against Cancer” – coming August 25 to Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas.
Nine bands from the Dallas/Fort Worth area have already joined the lineup of live musical entertainment.
Proceeds from raffles and a silent auction will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the National Lung Cancer Partnership.
“The mission of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation is to bring courage, strength and the grit to the fight against cancer,” wrote Greg Graber, the foundation’s director of programs, in a letter of support. Founded in 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to fight against cancer.
“We look forward to working with Rick and the community of Dallas to advance lung cancer awareness and generate critical funding for research and education to fight this disease,” wrote Becca Gerber with the The National Lung Cancer Partnership – the only national 501(c)(3) lung cancer advocacy organization founded by physicians and researchers. “We are dedicated to decreasing deaths due to lung cancer and helping patients live longer and better through research, awareness and advocacy.”
CONCERT LINEUP
The current schedule for the Concert Against Cancer is shaping up like this:
Mud Bone, Noon to 1 p.m.
Midnight Thunder, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Daddy Rocks, 3 to 4 p.m.
Stone Groove Band, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Silver Tones, 6 to 7 p.m.
Hulagan, 7:30 to 8:20 p.m.
Krash Rover, 8:50 to 9:40 p.m.
Dazed, 10 to 11:50 p.m.
Jeff Smithart, 12:20 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas is touted as the ultimate motorcycle destination in Texas. Located on 2.5 acres just north of downtown Dallas at 9304 Harry Hines, Strokers has a top of the line dealership, service department, bar and grill, and a tattoo shop.
Stay tuned to Blue Ribbon News and the Concert Against Cancer event page for the latest updates.
Those wishing to donate to the cause, contribute raffle items or silent auction items, should contact Rick Kackley. Connect with Rick Kackley on his Facebook page.
DINE & DONATE
Texas Land & Cattle Steak House invites friends, family and neighbors to any of its Dallas area locations in Plano, Arlington, Dallas, Garland, Bedford, Frisco, Richardson and Hickory Creek anytime from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Sept. 23 to help support Bikers Against Cancer. Present the flyer to your server and 15% of your dinner receipt will support Bikers Against Cancer fundraising efforts.
Dine at Buffalo Wild Wings on 75 in Plano on Saturday, Aug. 4 and 10% of all pre-tax sales will be donated to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and National Lung Cancer Partnership. It’s an all-day event, dine in or take out, at 3635 Central Expressway.
RAFFLE / AUCTION ITEMS
Among the items that have been donated for the cause so far are a drum head signed by drummer Steve Smith of Journey, an autographed poster by Pure Prairie League, an autographed poster signed by Savoy Brown, a guitar signed by Hulagan, ball cap signed by Emmitt Smith, a day with WFAA reporter Steve Stoler, $25 gift card to Dukes, a Joe’s Crab Shack T-shirt, free tattoo at Lake Fork Tattoo, Study Bible and Audio Study Bible, a motorcycle helmet, a leather vest, skull ring, two biker belt buckles, utility knife, a lighter with eagle, Worm Gear Fishing Rod and Reel, knife on a chain, and gift cardss to Texas Land & Cattle, Pei Wei, Red Lobster and Academy.
Written by Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.
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