A Motorcycle Ride for Swift June 13

Story by Owen Gray

How many people can say that they have had a band of bikers ride 100 miles around the Blue Ridge Parkway in their honor? Not very many, for sure, but after Saturday, June 13, Officer Bradley Swift of the Boone Police Department, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, will be able to say that.

Organized by TJ Proffit and Johnny Brown, two of Swift’s best friends and fellow police officers, the motorcycle ride will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Watauga High School. Those who wish to participate have from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. to register. The cost is $20 for a single rider and $25 for doubles. All proceeds go to Swift’s family to help cover his medical costs while he goes through the arduous process of chemotherapy.

Diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Swift, 25, was released from Wake Forest University Medical Center on May 21 after he finished his first phase of chemotherapy. He returned home and will begin his second phase of treatments on June 8 at Watauga Medical Center.

“We’re hoping and praying for a full recovery, but there’s still a long road ahead of us,” said Swift’s girlfriend, Tonya Canter.

As Swift, Canter and the officer’s family and friends set out on that long road, the community is rallying behind them. The motorcycle ride is only one of many fundraisers organized by Swift’s family. There is also a raffle underway, a softball tournament scheduled for May 30, a car show in July and maybe even an end of summer golf tournament.

The motorcycle ride seems to be something close to Swift’s heart. He is a motorcycle enthusiast himself who grew up riding dirt bikes around the High Country. A few years ago he purchased his first Harley-Davidson—a 2007 Fat Boy.

“I’m hoping to ride with everyone, at least part of the way, as long as my blood levels stay up,” said Swift.

Canter wanted to thank Swift’s family and friends and the community for everything that they’ve done so far to help out. She said that while Swift was staying in Wake Forest Medical Center, people they didn’t even know would come up to him and say that someone they knew wanted to say hello and good luck to him.

“I really don’t think that people know how far that goes,” said Swift. “I’m extremely thankful for things like that and for what everyone is doing with the fundraisers and stuff. It’s awesome.”

Canter also wanted to mention everyone who is sending thoughts and prayers their way. “Bradley has such a strong faith in God and, in the end, our journey always comes back to that. The prayers will get us through.”

The events at the high school that day will also feature a professional stunt rider and live music. Food will be provided for the riders. Those who wish to help out but who do not wish to participate in the ride are welcome to make a donation.

For more information on the motorcycle ride, email TJ Proffit at boonepolice228@gmail.com, or Johnny Brown at brownjm@appstate.edu.

For more information on upcoming fundraisers or to send your own messages and prayers to Swift, click to www.facebook.com and check out the Prayer for Bradley Swift group.

LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

LATEST COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS

TOP NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE