Individuals faced with fighting cancer, not only have to battle the disease, but the financial burdens that come with it.

With that in mind, two women, local cancer patient, Sonja Luker, and one of her best friends, Jessica Cloud, have teamed up to organize the inaugural Kickin’ Cancer event scheduled for this Saturday at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore.

Cloud said that the two decided to launch a non-profit organization after holding a similar fundraiser to assist Luker with expenses incurred from her own treatment.

“Last year, Sonja, who has been battling cancer for six years, received a phone call from M.D. Anderson saying that they may have a treatment,” Cloud said. “She was elated, but then devastated when she found out that her co-pay was $14,000.”

That’s when Luker’s friends including Cloud, who with her husband, Ronnie, own Alabama Wing House, held the Labor of Love: Sonja Luker Cancer Fundraiser at their restaurant. The event raised $10,000, which allowed Luker to begin her treatments, which are ongoing.

“People were so generous, that we wanted to raise money to help others in our community battling cancer,” Cloud said. “That’s when we decided to establish the Kickin’ Cancer Foundation.”

The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature live music, crafts, variety of vendors, food, games, car show and fellowship.

A 60-mile motorcycle ride will kick off the event at 9 a.m. from the Alabama Wing House. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

For more on the Kickin’ Cancer Foundation, visit its Web Site at www.kickin-cancer.com

If you would like to participate in Saturday’s event call 251-294-0099.