Ride a motorcycle to help cancer patients at Northwest Community Healthcare

On Sunday, Aug. 19, Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation will be the beneficiary of the fourth annual Monk's Ride, a tributary motorcycle run in Algonquin. It is honor of the late Dennis "Monk" Heidmann, who was a lung cancer patient at the Arlington Heights hospital.

Riders register and pay a donation to participate - cars, vans and trucks are welcome as well. Sign up begins at 9:30 a.m. at Tavern at the Bridge, 101 E. Algonquin Road in Algonquin.

The ride begins at 10 a.m. with stops along the way and ends at Skeeters Saloon, 1691 Elgin Road (Route 25) in Carpentersville, where an auction and other festivities will take place.

Last year, 150 riders raised more than $5,500 which went directly to the NCH Radiation Oncology Program where "Monk" was diagnosed and treated for lung cancer in 2011. More than $18,000 has been raised since the ride's inception in 2014.

"The money is going right to Northwest Community Hospital where Monk got excellent treatment," his wife, Peggy Heidmann, said. "Everyone loved Monk and now we have this tribute to him."

"We are very grateful to Peggy and her family for organizing such a successful event every year in memory of her husband and in honor of the physicians, nurses and staff who cared for Monk," said Dave Ungurean, executive director of NCH Foundation. "Proceeds from the event continue to support the excellent care provided by our Radiation Oncology team at NCH."

Several "Monk" items will be auctioned off at Skeeters, such as football memorabilia from his semipro football days, and T-shirts bearing his image.

Find the "Monk's Run 2018" Facebook event page for details.