On Oct. 26, a cancer benefit ride will begin at The Vine Church for DeAnna Newsome, the wife of Columbia native Keven Newsome.
Roughly six weeks ago, the couple received a call from DeAnna’s doctor that a lump in her breast tested positive for cancer, which she quickly underwent surgery for. She is now undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Robert Newsome, Keven’s father and DeAnna’s father-in-law, said his heart broke when his son called with the news. Knowing how expensive cancer treatment can become in a short period of time, Robert sprang into action.
As a member of CMA, Christian Motorcycle Association, Robert has been a part of countless benefits for people going through tough times. In no time, he quickly started organizing a bike ride for DeAnna to raise money for her treatment.
Robert said he has already contacted members of the Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office, along with Mayor Justin McKenzie, who will all be involved.
Registration for the event will begin at The Vine Church at 8 a.m., with devotion and safety guidelines beginning at 10 a.m. The ride will start at 10:30 a.m. heading toward Bassfield before proceeding on Mississippi 42 and U.S. 84 to Monticello and coming back to Marion County via the “Lizard’s Tail,” which is Mississippi 587.
At the conclusion of the ride, door prizes from local companies will be given out.
Keven, who will soon be moving to Georgia from South Carolina, grew up in Columbia and graduated from West Marion High School in 1996 before attending Mississippi State on a Lions Band scholarship.
Keven and DeAnna met at Mississippi State and got married before each getting master’s degrees in music. Keven went to seminary school to be a pastor and currently works as a music pastor, but he is transitioning back to his calling as a pastor at a church near Atlanta. DeAnna also works as a music minister.
Registration is $20 per bike and $5 per rider. The first 100 bikes to register will receive a free vest pin.
All proceeds will go towards DeAnna’s medical expenses. For additional information, contact Robert at (601) 408-5647.
