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Motorcycle benefit raises $20K

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

Peggy Merrick-Auxier, 43, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer last October. Unfortunately, she was only given non-evasive tests and by the time she really pushed to have a biopsy, it had progressed to Stage 4, entering into her bones and liver. She lives in Peachtree City with husband, Don.

She began treatment at Piedmont Fayette Hospital in January and is facing chemotherapy and radiation treatments that will take place for at least the next six months.

Because she has coordinated motorcycle benefit rides through working at Cycle City Power Sports in Newnan, the cycling world decided it was time to help Peggy herself.

Black Jack Motorcycles of Fayetteville, along with the Black Jack Riding Chapter, sponsored a benefit rally this past Sunday. Peggy took part in the event by co-riding on one of the motorcycles.

Over 350 motorcyclists took part, along with many more entrants who “four-wheeled” it. The cost was $25 for the rider, and $15 for the co-rider.

The hour-long ride ended up at Locos Restaurant on south Highway 85, where raffles were held for the next several hours. Merchants donated over $10,000 worth of items to be raffled.

At the end of the afternoon, over $20,000 had been raised, along with $10,000 already on hand, and another $2,300 raised by the Huddle House in Peachtree City, was deposited at the Bank of Georgia to help in her expensive treatments.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed,” said Peggy. “I want to share some thoughts from a book that has meant so much to me: ‘having cancer can be a gift. It can change your attitude to go forth and to feel love you never felt before from not only your family, your caregivers, but complete strangers.’ This is just exactly how I feel from the events of Sunday afternoon.”

If you were not able to make the ride but still wanted to send donation, it can be mailed to The Bank of Georgia, 100 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269, Attn: Peggy’s Benefit Ride.