By By Lisa Tindell- news editor
Patients in the children's burn unit at UAB's Children's Hospital may not know the bikers in south Alabama, but they will certainly benefit from their work and fun.
Greg Tucker, who was a fireman and a biker, loved children and his wife, Sandra, wanted to do something in her husband's memory to help show that love.
A Poker Run and Memorial Ride has been organized honoring Tucker, who died of cancer last year.
The event, set for Sept. 13, will begin with a memorial ride taking the same route as the April 2007 benefit for Tucker.
The ride will take bikers through Atmore, Huxford, Barnett's Crossroads ending at O'Bannon Park in Brewton.
Tucker said those who don't ride motorcycles can participate in the activities at the park beginning around noon on the day of the ride.
Tucker said there will be music, door prizes, drawings, games and contests open to everyone at O'Bannon Park.
The event is being co-sponsored by Murder Creek Customs and the Brewton Fire Department.
Open to the public, registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. at Murder Creek Customs at 1450 South Blvd. The ride will begin at 10 a.m. with an expected return of noon at O'Bannon Park. A $20 fee for each bike will be due at registration with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Camp hosted by the Children's Hospital of Alabama Burn Center, the state's only pediatric burn center.
Tucker became a firefighter at age 43 and served in many capacities at the Brewton Fire Department. He served for nine years before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and dying in 2007.
Children's Hospital of Alabama is the 10th busiest pediatric medical center in the United States. Located in Birmingham, Children's is one of only about 45 freestanding acute care hospitals of its kind in the nation and the only hospital in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is licensed for 275 beds.
Children's is a private, not-for-profit hospital governed by a volunteer board of trustees.
The hospital was recently recognized for the excellence of its nursing care by achieving Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Children's will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2011.