Team Shaw members ride for a cause

Published March 12, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- At 10 a.m. on March 9, the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital conducted the 3rd Annual Bear Crawl, a motorcycle rally fundraiser, at the Beacon Theater in Sumter.
All donations, both monetary and gifts, went to children who have the childhood cancer Hepatoblastoma, a malignant tumor primarily in the liver, that tends to spread throughout the body.

The motorcycle rally raised $938, as well as a large amount of toys almost reaching the goal of $1000.

The Palmetto Health Children's Hospital is supported by the Bear Crawl fundraiser named in honor of Hugh "Bear" Gibbons who died at the age of 7, from the childhood cancer.

"The fundraiser was a huge success," said Master Sgt. Maurice Toole, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, lead production superintendent. "I was a bit nervous around 9:40 a.m. when there was no one there. But it seemed like everyone came at the same time. I can't explain the feeling I had when the motorcycle escort signaled for me to join him (side-by side) while leaving Sumter. I took that as a sign of support for what the ride stood for."

"This event was an emotional roller coaster," said Master Sgt. Keith Cox, 20th AMXS NCO of AMXS readiness. "The children hospital workers were so thankful that we took a part in making a difference."

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, there are approximately 50-70 cases of childhood cancer found in a year in the United States; 95 percent of the children
diagnosed are under the age of four, and in 50 percent of the cases the disease can be cured with surgery.

For more information about participating in the future or making a donation call 803-468-3113.