Several hundred people turned out to show their support during the inaugural Stacy Saak Riding For a Cure event held on Aug. 4.An all-day poker run concluded with a bike show and concert at the Elks Lodge, where over $13,000 was raised to go toward the Relay For Life.“I thought it was fantastic,” said Saak, who was recently diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time. “They worked so hard to make that happen. They spent a lot of time in putting that together.”The event saw motorcyclists visit five different bars throughout the course of the day, starting the morning at the Hideout and moving to the Downtown Pub. They then went to the VFW in Hawk Point before visiting Cliff and Ella’s.Once the ride reached the Elks Lodge, Saak spoke of her journey, which has included bouts with kidney cancer, brain cancer and a reoccurrence in the abdomen.“Besides my faith in God, my supporters have been my biggest help,” said Saak. “I have to put myself in a mindset that each day is a blessing that we are granted with.”The event was not specifically to raise money for Saak but rather to honor her for the courageous battles she has endured. Coincidentally, just weeks after agreeing to have the even named after her, she learned of the cancer’s reoccurrence for the first time since 2016.Among those in attendance at the Elks Lodge were members of Saak’s support group, The Inspirations. She says the camaraderie from other survivors has been paramount in her own triumphs.“It has played a major role in the way I think and handled going through my cancer diagnosis,” said Saak. “I don’t think I could have been as strong or had the outlook I had without going to this group. The people who go there are some of the most amazing people in the world.”Saak says she finds hope in the stories of others who have overcome. On Aug. 4 there were tears, laughter, hugs, smiles and numerous symbols of support. Those survivors will come together again soon for the Warren County Relay For Life on Aug. 25.

Rick Hawkins enters his raffle ticket into a drawing for items at the Stacey Saak Riding For a Cure Bike Show held at the Warrenton Elks Lodge on Saturday. Supporters raised around $13,000 to go toward cancer research in Saak's honor. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe