Jay’s Hope volunteers prepare for childhood cancer motorcycle event

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Volunteers at Jay’s Hope in Macon are doing their best to raise money for these little fighters.

The organization gives emotional, educational, spiritual and financial support to families with children battling cancer. The Arnold family didn’t get the chance to experience Jay’s Hope’s generosity. Cindy Arnold opened a fund with Jay’s Hope to help other families that are going through the same struggle hers did 22 years ago. 

“Life turns on a dime. It literally turned on a dime for our family,” said Cindy.

The Arnold family found out their daughter Heather had a brain tumor when she was five-years-old. 

“Cancer, brain tumor, cataracts, all that. It’s been all kinds of stuff,” recalled Heather.

Heather is a fighter and while her parents are always in her corner, Cindy admits it isn’t easy.

“Imagine being out in an ocean, huge body of water with no land in sight and just treading water. That’s what it was like,” explained Cindy.

A few years after the Arnold family pulled itself to safety, Cindy learned about Jay’s Hope.

“I fell in love with the kids and the families,” said Cindy.

She decided to open a fund under the organization named after Heather. They named it ‘Heather’s Heroes.’

“All of these kids are heroes,” said Cindy.

“One of my good friends was just with me. She’s my angel,” explained Heather.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear leather. ‘Hawgs for Hope’ is Heather’s Heroes biggest fundraiser. It’s a benefit motorcycle ride. All the money raised goes to Jay’s Hope.

Whether it’s a gas card, a few dollars off a hospital bill, or just a hand to hold during prayer, the Arnold family is doing what they can to those fighting similar battles. 

Hawgs for Hope raised more than $18,000 last year. This year’s event is Saturday September 26. Bikers will meet at the Harley Davidson in Macon at 9:30 a.m. for registration. It’s $25 per bike which includes at t-shirt. The ride will start at 11:00 a.m. There will be food, raffles and entertainment. For more information you can call Jay’s Hope at (478) 238-6360.