Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner and his family have supported CURE Childhood Cancer for several years because his daughter Lana was diagnosed at age 3 with stage IV neuroblastoma. Fortunately, she made a full recovery and is now a happy and thriving 12-year-old.
“When Lana was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, we were told there was very little chance for her survival,” said Turner. “It was a scary journey for our family, but now that our daughter is thriving, we are raising money for important pediatric cancer research and support for other childhood cancer patients and their families.”
The event will include a pre-event family picnic from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Falcons Fury Harley Davidson, featuring live music and complimentary food and beverages. Former Atlanta Braves’ pitcher and National Baseball Hall of Fame legend Tom Glavine and his wife Chris will be on-site to meet fans and riders. The Glavines are long-time supporters and volunteers for CURE.
On Sunday, Aug. 11, Blackberry Smoke members, including brothers Brit and Richard Turner, will take part in the ride, as will Tom and Chris Glavine. Motorcycle officers from City of Conyers, DeKalb County, Cobb County and Atlanta Police Departments will serve as escorts for the ride to The Battery Atlanta and PBR Atlanta. Riders will gather at Falcons Fury Harley Davidson at 11 a.m., with kickstands up at noon.
Once the ride concludes, riders and their families will be treated to live music and enjoy an afternoon on the green at The Battery and PBR Atlanta. During the post-ride gathering at The Battery, Tom Glavine will draw and announce winners of a spectacular raffle. The one-of-kind items in the raffle include:
- Custom Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 customized with Blackberry Smoke Ride for Cure artwork painted by Zac Brown Customs and featuring a seat made by artist Matt Howell with Compass Leather from Mizuno baseball glove signed by Tom Glavine and Brit Turner
- 10 custom motorcycle helmets with Blackberry Smoke Ride for CURE artwork by Zac Brown Customs
- Two Mizuno baseball gloves signed by members of Blackberry Smoke and Tom Glavine
- Demerbox Bluetooth Speaker with Blackberry Smoke Ride for CURE artwork
- Custom Southern Grind Knife
- Blackberry Smoke autographed guitar
- Blackberry Smoke album Set
- Blackberry Smoke VIP Concert Package for two
- Signed print of “Passing the Torch” by David Uhl, signed by artist and Tom Glavine
“We anticipate more than 1,000 riders for this event,” said Scott Floyd, General Manager of Falcons Fury Harley Davidson. “Our Harley Davidson riding community loves to support worthy causes and fellow riders Brit and Richard Turner have a very personal connection to the beneficiary, CURE Childhood Cancer.
CURE Childhood Cancer is a nonprofit that advances pediatric cancer research and provides patient and family support. In the last ten years, CURE has raised more than $50 million to this end.
“After meeting little Lana Turner and her family when she was battling cancer, it is so meaningful that this event is inspired by her,” said Kristin Connor, CURE Childhood Cancer’s Executive Director. “The Turner family has made this a personal mission, and it’s truly special to us that all members of Blackberry Smoke and the Falcons Fury Harley Davidson family share in our fight to defeat pediatric cancer.
