American Legion Post 22 to Host ‘The Amazing Race’ to Benefit 19-Month-Old Cancer Patient Blakely Koenig

Fundraiser for 19-Month-Old Battling B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ends at H&D Roadhouse

Blakely Koenig, a precious 19-month-old child, was diagnosed, 26 days after her first birthday, with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Rider’s Chapter 22 at the American Legion Post 22 will be hosting a fundraiser to support Blakely in her fight.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – We, as mere mortals, can’t answer some questions. One such question is, why is a young child diagnosed with cancer? We have seen far too many children who should be playing with dolls or outside playing baseball having to battle cancer. One such child is fast approaching her second birthday.

Blakely Koenig, a precious 19-month-old child, was diagnosed, 26 days after her first birthday, with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her mom, Megan Koenig, said, “She has been a rock star through it all. She is the strongest girl I know. We are so lucky to be her parents.”

We often ask ourselves, “How can I help?” Well, we can help Blakely and her family by supporting the Rider’s Chapter 22 fundraiser on Sunday, March 16.

The American Legion Post 22 will be hosting a bike run, “The American Race,” a unique scavenger hunt. The run will begin at Post 22, 241 Peachtree Street, Cocoa, at 9 a.m. and end at H&D Roadhouse, 1811 East Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, at 1 p.m.

At the start of the race, each participant will be told where their first stop is located. They will then need to find clues at that stop to say to them where their second stop is. This will continue until everyone reaches H&D Roadhouse.

The afternoon activities at H&D Roadhouse include live music, auction items, 50/50 raffle, food, and much more!

Vehicles of all types are welcome to participate in “The Amazing Race.” The cost is $20.00 per rider/driver and $10.00 per passenger.

For those who cannot attend but would like to support Blakely in her fight, you may Venmo directly to the family at Megan-Koenig321. You may also CLICK HERE for a GoFundMe account to help the family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.

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