HARLINGEN — A local trail riding group will host a trail ride open to the public to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer and for leukemia patients.
Cowboys and Angels Trail Riders took up a little girl’s dying request to raise awareness for the need to sign up committed blood donors.
The ride is in honor of Lily Lopez, who died Aug. 26, 2014, at age 17 wishing there was a way to band the nation together to raise awareness for the need for more donors to be added to the bone marrow registry.
“It takes a simple swab to register and the chances of being called are low,” said Luis Lopez, Lily’s father. “I’ve been on the registry since 1996 and have never been called.”
Lopez said he wants to make sure children in the Valley have an opportunity to find a donor.
It was all Lily needed to live, but when her donor backed out from giving blood, all hope was lost for her.
Lopez said he promotes Gencure because they pay for the medical procedure for patients donating and receiving a marrow transplant.
“She asked her dad to keep raising money for Gencure to fight cancer,” said Angie Cuevas, a member of Cowboys and Angels Trail Riders.
For the past month the trail riding group has been planning the event.
All proceeds will be donated to Gencure.
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WHAT: Gencure Be the Match Trail Ride
WHEN: June 18
WHERE: 7 Leguas Feed and Seed, 260 FM 511 Olmito
TIME: Registration 9 a.m.
Ride out 11 a.m.
COST: Riders $20, Non riders $10, drinks and food will be provided.
