Poker run for cancer research at Moffitt center

For three years now, throngs have walked to raise money for research at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. This year, the center is adding a new twist. Riding for research.

The Motorcycle Miles for Moffitt takes place Feb. 13, with the last bikes leaving Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey by 11 a.m. and the last bike in at Harley of Brandon at 1 p.m.

"We're hoping for 500 riders," said Susan Meadows, organizer of the event.

Riders can sign up the morning of the ride at Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey, 5817 State Road 54, with stops at Moffitt, Harley of Tampa and Clear Channel, ending at Harley of Brandon, 9841 Adamo Drive.

The cost of the run is $15 and $5 for additional poker hands. The best hand wins $500 and the worst hand wins $50. All the money would be used for research at Moffitt in Tampa, Meadows said.

"Miles for Moffitt is a foot race we do," Meadows said. "We raised $355,000 for research over four years. Motorcycle Miles for Moffitt is just taking it another step."

Fred Rosson, a cancer survivor from Valrico will be among the riders.

After a seemingly routine tooth extraction in 2006 Rosson landed at Moffitt Cancer Center, where he was diagnosed with stage four cancer in his throat, lungs and lymph nodes.

He was given six months to live with little hope.

With treatment, his cancer has gone into remission. "It was truly Moffitt and the Lord," Rosson said.
Today, Rosson occasionally gets some spots on his lungs, but thus far, that appears to be it. He is now taking a trial drug.

Rosson, 59, had his Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic converted into a trike so he can continue to ride without being concerned he might lose his balance, a side effect of the chemo.

This will be his first poker run.

Retired Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk is acting as honorary chair for the event. Radical Randy and the Street Team will emcee and Party in the Kitchen will provide entertainment in Brandon.

There will be a 50-50 drawing and basket drawings, Meadows said.

To learn more about the poker run, contact Meadows at (813) 745-1346.

Money from the event will help fund research at Moffitt Cancer Center into new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. It has 15 branches in Florida.