Lafayette motorcycle-benefit helping family of father who died from rare cancer
Lafayette motorcycle-benefit helping family of father who died from rare cancer
A lafayette family is facing the reality of losing a husband and father -- but they're not alone.
Today nearly 170 motorcyclists came together for a fundraiser- ride to benefit the martin family.
News 18's micah upshaw tells us how its bringing light in dark situation.
A: jacob would be smiling from ear to ear, he loves riding harley's and this would means the world to him, and it means the world to us that people are here for him.
M: jake martin was a newly-wed husband, a new father and a recent victim of a rare, aggressive cancer attacking his bones and lymph nodes.
A: it was something we never expected, he was diagnosed five weeks before i was due with zeplyn.
M: jake's wife ashley and baby zeplyn have been by his side since he started chemotherapy.
This benefit ride was designed to financially help the family as jake overcame his cancer.
Unfortunately he died just days before the event.
A: it was really hard.
It's been a really hard seven months and we miss him a lot.
M: this motorcycle benefit- fundraiser has also become a celebration of life.
Ashley and her family are overwhelmed by the support.
R: i was just praying that it would be a great day and it's been more than great, it's been phenomenal.
They've just had overwhelming love from the community and family and just everyone reaching out to them, it's just made such an impact.
M: the money raised will help ashley and zeplyn stay a float as they adjust to a new life with jake now living in their hearts and memories.
A: from the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate everything that everyone's doing and this is just incredible, it's amazing to see and i know jacob's looking down, smiling right now.
M: reporting in lafayette, micah upshaw.
News 18.
Today's motorcycle- benefit event also included raffles and food.
The total made today will be on our website later tonight.
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