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Team Shaw members ride for a cause

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Palmetto Health Children's Hospital is scheduled to conduct the 3rd Annual Bear
Crawl, a motorcycle rally fundraiser, March 9 starting at 10 a.m. at the Beacon Theater in Sumter.

The motorcycle rally is comprised of a mixed group of military members, veterans and civilians who are
banning together to help saves lives.

All donations, either monetary or gifts, go to children who have the childhood cancer
Hepatoblastoma, a malignant tumor primarily in the liver, that tends to spread throughout the
body. The goal for money collected during the fundraiser is $1,000.

Hugh "Bear" Gibbons passed away on Valentine's Day 2011 at the age of seven from cancer,
which is why the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital is supported by the Bear Crawl
fundraiser.

"Even after losing my mom and godmother while having my dad currently suffering
from cancer, I never thought about childhood cancer until Hugh "Bear" Gibbons," said Master
Sgt. Maurice Toole, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, squadron lead production
superintendent. "The 'Camp Kemo' held in memory of Gibbons, helps approximately 250 children a
year get to see another day."

"We are very appreciative for every donation we receive," said Priscilla Young, Palmetto Health
Children's Hospital development manager. "Everything counts to these kids as well as us
because we know that it's making a difference. To see the smiles on their faces is more than
worth it."

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, there are approximately 50-70 cases of
childhood cancer found in a year in the United States. Ninety-five 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 the rally or how to make a donation call 803-468-3113.