The 2nd annual Chrome for a Cause (Cars and Bikes Against Pediatric Cancer) in conjunction with the Rylan Strong Network is set to take place this Saturday in Dublin.
For those unfamiliar with the Rylan Strong Network, the nonprofit works to aid the families and kids suffering from childhood cancer, named after Rylan Pruitt.
Rylan was diagnosed with Medullomyoblastoma on May 26, 2021. He was the 51st known case of this type of pediatric brain cancer. To date, there is only one known survivor. He courageously fought a 10 month battle, and won that fight in his own way, gaining his wings, March 10, 2022. Rylan’s battle against cancer led his family to create the Rylan Strong Network.
The car and bike show raises funds for the nonprofit which assists families in a variety of ways including parades and other forms of support. They also support Childhood Cancer Research Funding and are working on enacting legislation requiring insurance companies to treat children regardless of contract status with a hospital.
Recently, according to Rylan’s dad, Mike Pruitt, the nonprofit has been moving to a new direction that no one anticipated – assisting with funeral funds and casket costs since many times a family is in financial hardship after a lengthy medical battle.
“A long-time goal would [be] to write a check to cover the entire costs,” Mike said. “It’s not what we envisioned but it’s where God has pushed us to go.”
For those interested in entering the bike and car show, entry is $20 per vehicle and all vehicles are welcome.
The show will take place from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 at Celebration Park in Dublin, located at 198 E. Elm Street.
“Just come out – we don’t care what you ride or drive. It’s about helping these families,” Mike said. “We can’t wait to see everyone and invite everyone to come be a part of the largest #Rev4Rylan video yet!”
There will be food, vendors, activities, music, trophies and more. Food available will include street tacos and cajun food. Those interested in becoming a vendor are still welcome and there is a $20 vendor fee.
For those entering the car and bike show there are a variety of plaques available for the winners including: Most unique (for each class: bike, car, truck), Best of Paint (for each class: bike, car and truck), Best of Show (for each class: car, truck, bike), Best Muscle Car, and Best Of Off-Road.
There will be unique homemade trophies for best jeep, best overall show car and best overall show bike.
At the end of the event, there will be a candle lighting (Cell phone lighting) ceremony to remember all those who have been lost in the past year.
“We really would like to say a big thanks to all our sponsors and for those helping us get the word out including Dublin Bottling Works and the Dublin Citizen,” Mike said. “A special thanks to all of our Rylan Strong Network board members.”
Those interested in signing up to be in the bike, car and truck show or to be a vendor can go online to http:// wwwrylanstrongnetwork. org/event-reg.
For more information call 254-403-9003.