Event Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Rally and Registration: Rocky Top Harley Davidson Dealership
*Please Wear something Purple to collectively raise awareness*
105 Waldens Main Street, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
My name is Joe and I’d like to tell you a little bit about my brother, my best friend, Bob Gilson.
I’ve always looked up to Bob because of the person he is. When I was a teenager, he was a mentor to me in automotive repair. He not only taught me how to fix a problem, but how to diagnose it. He was always patient to explain why the problem occurred in the first place. Many people have had successful careers (including myself) because of him taking time to teach us.
Through the years, I’ve noticed that Bob has always been an advocate for the "down and out." He often offers to lend all of us a helping hand. He can always be counted on to be right there with us through life‘s biggest Challenges.
As the oldest of six siblings, Bob is the strong pillar in our family. He is always willing to stand in the gap to comfort, guide, and/or help each of us when we need him. His wisdom, strength and humor have helped shape us all and we can only hope to be as loving and giving as he is.
He has many hobbies. He loves playing his guitar and riding his Harley motorcycle. Riding and traveling are his favorite things to do. Many weekends he and his wife would pack up the bike and head out on a cool new adventure.
Bob is a faithful man. He is a faithful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, employee, and church member. He has been called upon to help in many ways, and he always does. We love him for that! Now Bob needs our help.
In April of 2023, just as Bob was about to enter retirement, he was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer. Treatment, doctor visits, hospital stays and loss of work are taking a financial toll on he & his family. We, his loved ones, are asking friends, family and all of you for prayers and support during this difficult time. Please consider giving to Bob's GoFundMe today. Every little bit helps a lot! On behalf of Bob Gilson and his family, we thank you. ~ Joe Gilson
It is estimated that 64,050 people will be diagnose with pancreatic cancer this year. Bob Gilson is already one of them. Though survival rates have improved for most cancers over the years, pancreatic cancer still retains the lowest with only 3-6% survival rate. Pancreatic Cancer affects both men and women and is usually diagnosed in it’s late stages.
Only 2% of cancer research funding is used specifically for Pancreatic Cancer. It has been underfunded for decades. And while death rates for other types of cancer are decreasing, for pancreatic cancer, they are increasing.
The Bob Gilson Ride for Pancreatic Awareness is an effort to raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer in America.
Bikers will meet at the Rocky Top Harley Davidson Dealership in Pigeon Forge, TN for registration, door prizes and so much more!
*Event is in the BACK parking lot*
A special thank you to Rocky Top Harley Davidson for allowing us to use your property for our event and for your generous donation of prizes for the registration drawing!
Bikers will ride together along the beautiful Foothills Parkway. *Click on the map to see the route in Google Maps
Bikers will regroup at the US 129 Dragon Harley-Davidson Store for a final farewell and thank you given by Joe Gilson.