Poker run to benefit boy with twin tumors

Kaua‘i bikers will roll on Sunday, Sept. 14, for the Cody Kangiser Benefit Poker Run.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e. Cost is $20 which includes light refreshments during registration and a meal at the end of the run.

Proceeds will benefit 11-year-old Cody Kangiser, who was diagnosed at the beginning of summer with malignant germinoma tumors in his pituary and pineal glands. He was also diagnosed with diabetes.

Cody lives in Oregon but his mother, Laurel Naomi Asai, was born and raised here and his maternal grandparents, Lawrence “Blackie” Asai and Midge Kaneholani Asai still live here.

Before his condition was diagnosed, Cody was looking forward to spending the summer on Kaua‘i with his large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cody’s courage and determination to make it back to his beloved Kaua‘i despite his illness have impressed many people. In August, the Cody Kangiser Benefit Softball Tournament was put together through the hard work of numerous people who just wanted to help.

His ‘ohana has held several car washes and sold various items to raise funds for the mounting medical bills resulting from treatment and medication for his condition.

The Poker Run was the brainstorm of several aunts and uncles who are also motorcycle enthusiasts.

Generous donors from Kaua‘i and as far away as California and Oregon have contributed prizes for the event, including a special Harley Davidson 100th anniversary commemorative leather jacket with a retail value of $650.

Airline tickets, hotel rooms, items and certificates donated by businesses and individuals such as motorcycle fabricator Jesse James, Kaua‘i’s ‘Ohana Helicopters; Pono Kai; Outfitters Kaua‘i, Two Wheels, and many more will also be up for grabs.

For more information, contact Yukie De Silva (639-3739) or Charla Brock (639-1619).