Community Benefit Event: Yayo's Run is Saturday

This will be the 18[th] year for Yayo and Lupe Varela of Marlow, to host the annual Yayo's Run benefit bike ride. Devin Busby, 17, of Duncan, is this year's recipient. Busby has Ewing Sarcoma Cancer. He's the son of Sabrina Busby.

For Yayo and Lupe, it means everything to be able to help Busby and countless others who have been diagnosed with cancer. Yayo said when his sister-in-law died from cancer in El Paso, there was no money for burial expenses. "My wife Lupe and I decided to do something."

Yayo's Run has grown from three riders in its first year, to well over 200 riders. They come from everywhere - Las Vegas, Nevada, El Paso, Texas, New Mexico and even just down the road. Some years it's easier to raise the funds - and the motorcycle. This year it's been a bigger challenge. He said they were able to raise $8,000 profit after expenses with last year's ride. Unfortunately, this year's motorcycle was not donated, so a good chunk of the proceeds will be used to cover that cost. He's hopeful this year's turnout and donations will offset the expense.

Riders will meet at Yayo's home, at 411 S. Broadway in Marlow. He said anyone wanting to join needs to be ready to ride because kickstands go up at 11 a.m. The ride goes to Diamondback Harley Davidson in Lawton for lunch and drinks, then to Medicine Park. They will return and arrive back in Marlow by 4 p.m. for dinner and music in Yayo's backyard. Tickets are required for entry. Those tickets are just one of the ways the proceeds are raised to donate to Busby. There will be a silent auction and a motorcycle drawing. A winner will receive a soft tail standard 2007 Harley Davidson.

Guests attending the event also get a chance to meet Busby and learn more about the young man. For more information, call Yayo at (580) 251-1494.