After disabled United States Air Force veteran Jennifer Cahill was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May of 2020, she was amazed at the number of people who reached out to help her and her husband, Mike, who is also a disabled veteran, with expenses. "I got this diagnosis, and (we) learned we had no burial insurance," recalled Jennifer. "Some friends took it upon themselves to start fundraisers, and people I don't know ... strangers reached out ... even during the pandemic." The fundraisers were so successful, the Cahills were able to prepay Jennifer's expenses, and they had money left over.

By September of 2020, Jennifer had made up her mind to find a way to aid others in the same situation. "I thought how awesome it would be for others to have that support and help," she shared. The result is Team Jennifer Cahill Charities, which will hold its kickoff event on Saturday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the grounds of the Reinholds Fire Station, 138 W. Main St., Reinholds. The event will include car and motorcycle shows and rides, a Chinese auction, more than 20 product and craft vendors, several food trucks, and live entertainment. Spectators are welcome at 8 a.m., with registrations for cars and bikes held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The ride is scheduled to start at noon.

Mike noted that the mission of the charity is twofold. First, the group helps preplan and prepay final expenses and arrangements for female veterans who have terminal cancer and do not have life or burial insurance or other resources. He explained that many people believe that veterans are automatically covered for these expenses, but that is not necessarily the case, and many families have to pay significant out-of-pocket expenses. "We will offset final expenses," explained Mike, who added that funds could be available up to $16,500. Second, Team Jennifer Cahill wants to raise awareness concerning female veterans. Mike pointed out that when most people think of veterans, they picture a man in a dress uniform, but there are many female veterans like Jennifer, who served in communications and security in Alaska from 1995 to 1999.

Mike said that the rides at the kickoff event will follow a protocol similar to the Make-A-Wish Convoy but with hot rods and motorcycles rather than trucks. "(Cars) will go 20 miles in one direction, and bikes will go 30 miles in another direction," he explained. In addition to product and craft vendors, there will be a Chinese auction featuring a saddlebag for a 2017 Harley Davidson Breakout. Live entertainment will be provided by Easily Amused, a Southern rock cover band called Buckskin Whiskey, and Dirt Road Redemption. Food items for purchase will be provided by Holy Smoked Meats, Fink's French Fries, and Auntie Anne's, among others. Team Jennifer Cahill will sell hot dogs in the pavilion.

Jennifer and Mike noted that they would like to raise more than $15,000 from the event. Readers may find more information about the organization by visiting https://teamjennifercahillcharities.org or by searching for "Team Jennifer Cahill Charities" on Facebook.