Hundreds of people proved that childhood cancer is a priority as they contributed more than $58,000 to the third annual Wheels of Hope for the Rylan Strong Network.
“I was blown away,” founder of the nonprofit Mike Pruitt said.
For those unfamiliar with Rylan Strong Network, it’s named for Rylan Pruitt who was diagnosed with Medullomyoblastoma on May 26, 2021. He was the 51st known case of this type of pediatric brain cancer. Rylan courageously fought a 10 month battle, and won that fight in his own way, gaining his wings, March 10, 2022. His battle against cancer has led to the creation of the Rylan Strong Network.
This year’s event boasted a location change to Red Barrel Bar and Grill which allowed the event to spread out more for the car, bike and truck show, food, entertainment and vendors Saturday, Oct. 5.
The first year, the network raised $6,000 with the event, the second year $13,000 and this year, the jump was significant allowing the nonprofit to help even more families with kids who are battling cancer.
The Rylan Strong Network helps fund the funerals of kids who lives have been cut short by cancer, helps fund cancer research specifically for kids, and bucket list items or general financial needs for families with kids battling cancer.
In about 2.5 years, the network has donated more than $15,000 to families in need and traveled to multiple funerals to help families in need as well as assisting in more than seven funerals, Pruitt said.
Though Pruitt said the event was a success because of all the sponsors and supporters, he gave an extra shout out to Randy Freeman, Daniel Smith and Rachel Simon.
“150% of credit goes to them,” he said.
Monday, Oct. 7 the network was presented with a check from Red Barrel Bar and Grill in the amount of $17,654 for food and drink sales, silent auction, several generous donations and sponsors.
Those who aided the event included Red Barrel Bar and Grill, Summit Auto Wraps, TxPhoenix Boutique, Servant Souls East Texas RC, North Texas Chapter Servant Souls, Servant Souls - Erath County, Boozefighters MC, Jesse Jennings, The Fabulous Blue Aces, The Dublin Citizen, Pro Carpet Care, Crude Services, Proctor Volunteer Fire Department, Wilson Biker Gear and the Rylan Strong Network Board and slew of volunteers. Guests were kept fed thanks to John Brownlee of Smokin’ Double J who provided brisket, sausage and turkey legs and started grilling hamburgers when that was all sold.
The event also showcased a wide variety of entertainment including the Fabulous BlueAcesthatentertained crowds coming together for a concert after a 24 year hiatus.
“They were so good and crowds loved them!” Pruitt said. “Our headliner Jesse Jennings was terrific too.”
Out of the entire day, Pruitt said one highlight for him was when Jesse Lascano and Alfredo Lopez, cooks for Red Barrel, presented him with their tips for the entire event.
“They had worked 15 hours and walked up and handed me all their tips. Jesse said, ‘We know it’s not much but we want you to have it,’” Pruitt said. “It meant so much to me. It’s because of donations that the network can aid families. It’s not about me at all, it’s about the network. It’s amazing how big this army is.”
The additional funds will allow RSN to aid even more families or potential increase the allotment to families that are received.
Pruitt said it may also potentially aid them in lobbying for insurance changes to help families or to increase research for childhood cancer medications.
When looking over how the day went, and thinking about Rylan, Pruitt simply said, “I think he would be proud.” Those who want to donate to the Rylan Strong Network or get more information can go to https://www. rylanstrongnetwork.org.