“Concert Against Cancer” – coming August 25 to Rick
Fairless’ Strokers Dallas.
"Have you ever had a family member or someone you loved diagnosed with cancer? If so, you’ll understand my determination to help find a cure,” writes Rick Kackley of Plano.
The disabled military veteran, musician and motorcycle enthusiast has made it his mission to help others win their fight against cancer, even as his own four-year battle with the disease takes a devastating, personal toll.
Kackley describes his life with lung and throat cancer as “a roller coaster, a daily challenge,” complicated by an inoperable brain tumor that causes migraines. The 59-year-old has undergone radiation and chemotheraphy, and currently awaits testing to determine future treatment.
With faith in God and a network of family and friends that have each other’s “bac,” Kackley formed “Bikers Against Cancer,” a fast-growing Facebook group of more than 600 bike enthusiasts, musicians and supporters who share his passion for a cure.
“Together we can make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer,” Kackley writes on the FB page.
In March, Kackley and a friend, Bruce Armstrong, made an 18-day ride from Dallas to the California coast to raise money for a cure. “This was a ‘bucket list’ wish for me, and quite an accomplishment,” Kackley said.
Nine bands from the Dallas/Fort Worth area have already joined the lineup of live musical entertainment. Now, with a little help from his friends, Kackley is organizing a benefit concert – the “Concert Against Cancer” – coming August 25 to Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas.
Proceeds from raffles and a silent auction will benefit theJohn Wayne Cancer Foundation and the National Lung Cancer Partnership.
“The mission of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation is to bring courage, strength and the grit to the fight against cancer,” wrote Greg Graber, the foundation’s director of programs, in a letter of support. Founded in 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to fight against cancer.
CONCERT LINEUP“We look forward to working with Rick and the community of Dallas to advance lung cancer awareness and generate critical funding for research and education to fight this disease,” wrote Becca Gerber with the The National Lung Cancer Partnership - the only national 501(c)(3) lung cancer advocacy organization founded by physicians and researchers. “We are dedicated to decreasing deaths due to lung cancer and helping patients live longer and better through research, awareness and advocacy.”
The current schedule for the Concert Against Cancer is shaping up like this:
Mud Bone, Noon to 1 p.m.
Midnight Thunder, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Daddy Rocks, 3 to 4 p.m.
Stone Groove Band, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Silver Tones, 6 to 7 p.m.
Hulagan, 7:30 to 8:20 p.m.
Krash Rover, 8:50 to 9:40 p.m.
Dazed, 10 to 11:50 p.m.
Jeff Smithart, 12:20 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas is touted as the ultimate motorcycle destination in Texas. Located on 2.5 acres just north of downtown Dallas at 9304 Harry Hines, Strokers has a top of the line dealership, service department, bar and grill, and a tattoo shop.
