It is a way to show her love and support. Hannah Tolbert, daughter of Fayette County Board of Education member Sam Tolbert, is planning a “Ride for Life” car and bike show and benefit ride fund-raiser on June 12 to help offset her father’s expenses as he undergoes treatment for Stage 4 esophageal cancer.
Stage 4 — the final and most serious of four stages — means that the metastatic cancer has spread to distant sites in the body.
Tolbert said it was approximately one year ago that the late-stage cancer was discovered. That discovery came when a nurse spotted it on his liver during an echocardiogram.
“All along the doctors thought the problem I was having was with my heart. They had checked my veins and arteries and even thought I was anemic,” Tolbert said. “Then when I was in for an echocardiogram the nurse saw spots on my liver. The problem wasn’t my heart at all, it was the cancer. I hug that nurse every time I see her.”
Tolbert said the cancer had spread from the esophagus to his liver and lymph nodes, adding that while esophageal cancer is incurable, his physician indicated that he can continue to lead a fairly healthy life if he keeps up with his medication regimen. With that, Tolbert said he has no need and no desire to do anything but continue on the school board.
“The school board is the one thing I’m working hard for and looking forward to,” Tolbert said. “I have no intention of resigning from the board and I expect to run for re-election when my term expires.”
For her part, Hannah Tolbert is determined to put together a large fund-raiser that will draw a huge crowd. The June 12 event will be held at Partner’s Pizza located at 834 South Glynn Street in Fayetteville.
Registration for the motorcycle benefit will begin at 11 a.m. and includes a $15 fee to ride and $5 for passengers. Bike show entries are $5 for those who ride while car show entries are $10. The car show will begin shortly after noon and will be followed by the bike show. Judging will take place later in the afternoon.
The fund-raiser will also feature live music, a Daisy Duke Bike Wash, a Betty Boop Pin-up Contest, kids activities, raffles, a silent auction and more, Hannah said.
For more information contact Hannah Tolbert at 404-857-8672 or at rideforsam@hotmail.com.
