Jack

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You Don't Know Jack
Ridestrong Against Cancer Poker Run at New Diggings

by Dubuque365.com

If you've been following our story, you've met Jack Hoeger, a dear friend who, at the age of 9, has been battling a rare form of brain cancer for half his life. 365 helped Jack make a video about his fight on You Tube and it quickly touched the hearts of over 40,000 people. Two of those people were Lou Uran and Kelli Kerrigan who own the New Diggings General Store and Inn, a famous old saloon in nearly New Diggings, Wisconsin. Kelli is also a 365'er! On July 12 they hosted the You Don't Know Jack Ridestrong Poker Run where bikers, cyclists and automobiles took hit the road to fight cancer.

They visited a host of hotspots across the tri-states, where bar owners and patrons alike contributed generously to the cause, before ending up back at the Diggs where Harmony Salon stylists, who already had raised $1000 for Jack's Livestrong crusade at their salons, were waiting to shave heads for Locks of Love and donations to Livestrong. Two of the most anticipated shavings were to be legendary tri-state bluegrass man Denny Garcia and, of course, the Diggs own Lou Uran, who has some SERIOUS hair going one before he got the bald treatment. A number of long haired lovely ladies also took the plunge including Harmony Salon owner Bethany Golombeski. Everyone was well fed and well entertained and a hefty sum was raised for cancer research and treatment. The event was also supported by a number of in-kind donations for friends and businesses like 365 and the Diamond Jo Casino. To get an idea of the level of generosity and love in the room, a $10 gift certificate to Kalmes' went for $180. This was a day full of amazing and big hearted people who can now say, I KNOW JACK! Next month Jack and his mom take his video to be featured at the national Livestrong Foundation Conference. It has already won a top award from the organization. And through it all Jack will continue is his own fight, but now everyday he fights with a lot more people in his corner.

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