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Sunday Poker Run To Help Tampa Man With Medical Bills

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 3, 2008

DARBY - A poker run on Sunday will benefit a Tampa man battling cancer.

The poker run will kick off 9:30 a.m. at the Neon Cowboy on State Road 52 at Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. The event will benefit Kerry Thompson, who was diagnosed Jan. 21 with squamous cell carcinoma in his head and neck. His condition has been complicated by blood clots in his lungs, and he has had five surgeries, three days in an intensive care unit and 10 days in critical care.

"It's been a nightmare," said friend Deb Grande, organizer of the poker run. "Kerry is the most generous, caring person I've met. He never met a stranger."

Grande organized the fundraiser to help cover Thompson's hospital bills and medication costs. During the run, motorcyclists will ride a route that will take them from the Neon Cowboy to Ukelele's, the Sail Inn, Mac's Place, San Ann Liquors and then back to the Neon Cowboy.

"It's really going to be one big party, along with a pretty, scenic ride," said Grande. "The riders will pick up cards at each location, and at the end we'll determine who has the best poker hand."

Each participant will pay $10 per poker hand; extra cards (up to two) are $2 each. All proceeds will benefit Thompson, who is a motorcycling enthusiast.

The party after the run will feature music from a disc jockey, and drawings offering items such as T-shirts and gift certificates.

For information, call Grande at (813) 695-8551.

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