Community
Central St. Jude’s Bike-A-Thon This Saturday
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By Mia Freneaux
Everybody loves “hero” movies. Whether they’re comic book characters, or gruff, rebel police officers, we all love it when the hero saves the day, especially when they’re the self-deprecating “average Joe” kind of guy. Well, once again, Central, our city is blessed because we have a real-life hero living right here. Tell him that, though, and he’ll deny it.
Chuck Langlois is now in his THIRTIETH YEAR of running the St. Jude Bike-A-Thon in our fair city. 30 years! You read that right! Starting when he was vice president of CABA (the forerunner of our Chamber of Commerce), Chuck has invested himself year after year in the charity he just can’t say no to. Though he receives no material benefit from his efforts, he is wholeheartedly dedicated to making each passing Bike-A-Thon the best one yet. And, despite suffering a debilitating aneurysm which he still is affected by, Chuck rides a mile himself with his foot strapped to the pedal. He and his “angel”, wife Christi, together line up the sponsors, the participants, the bike route, the prizes, and the refreshments, year after year.
Chuck’s dad died of cancer, and he lives for the dream that someday cancer will be eradicated. When his niece Kenlie was treated not too long ago at St. Jude’s, it was a completely unexpected irony. St. Jude’s needs $1,000,000 a DAY to treat its patients. Not one of them pays for treatment, it all comes from donations. Thousands of children have received free care at one of the world’s premier cancer treatment centers. And Chuck has raised thousands of dollars for those kids right here in Central. Why does he keep doing it? The Bike-A-Thon is his passion, says Chuck, who gives credit to the Lord Jesus Christ for keeping him here and enabling him to do it this long.
This Saturday, Central’s St. Jude Bike-A-Thon will be held in a new location. The residents of Bellingrath Hills have been cheerful hosts for several years, now Magnolia Square Village will be hosting the event. Once again, Chuck will be there, ready to bike his mile on his tricycle, while Christi hands out refreshments, deputies guard the route, and firefighters are ready to offer first aid. Chris Ferrara will once again be donating the brand new bikes for the highest fund raisers, just like he’s done for years. Old fire department buddies never forget their bond, it seems. Once again, Chuck will be asking our great city to support a great cause, and once again, Central will rise to the occasion. After all, how do you say “no” to a hometown hero?
Do YOU want to be a hero? Pick up a registration form at Sullivan’s Hardware or any Fire Station. Checks should be made out to St. Judes and can be mailed to Chuck Langlois, 17252 Greenwell Springs Road, 70739. Get your sponsors, and bring out your bike this Saturday at 8:30. Can’t bike? Come out and cheer and hand out water! Questions? Call Chuck at 603-6100. I guarantee, spend a morning biking for a great cause, and you’ll FEEL like a hero!!
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