Motorcycle ride organized to fulfill last wish of Kristy Smith Brinegar
If you’ve been to Breckenridge’s Chicken Express restaurant in the past several years, there’s a good chance you encountered Kristy Smith Brinegar. She often worked at the drive-thru window, offering up a smile with each order.
If you’ve been there in the past few months, you may have noticed Kristy wearing a scarf or bandana on her head as she dealt with the effects of cancer treatment. As recent as a few weeks ago, she was out delivering sweet tea to the cars in the drive-thru line, still with a smile on her face although she needed a cane to lean on.
Lately, Kristy hasn’t been able to work, and she’s at home on hospice care. About a year and a half ago, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer that had already spread to other parts of her body.
Her sister Cathy Ake, as well as many friends and family members are organizing a motorcycle ride through Breckenridge to fulfill one of Kristy’s last wishes.
The event is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, and is open to anyone who wants to join the ride to help make Kristy’s wish come true, said Julia Graves, who is helping the family organize the ride. Those participating in the ride will gather at the Hubbard Creek Lake boat ramp on U.S. Highway 180, on the west side of the Mile Long Bridge. The boat ramp is located across the highway from Sandy Creek Marina.
The motorcycles will ride through Breckenridge to the Breckenridge City Park (Miller Park), followed by anyone who wants to join the ride in a car, truck or other vehicle. Kristy plans to ride in a car and then make the last portion of the ride on the back of her brother-in-law’s motorcycle.
Afterward, the group will gather in the park for hot dogs and to visit and take pictures with Kristy.
“She’s just in awe of how fast everybody was willing to help,” Graves said. “Kristy has just been a pillar of this community. She has such a sweet personality and is such a giving person. She always had a smile on her face at Chicken E, no matter how she felt.”
Graves said they are accepting donations to help pay for the food and drinks at the park, as well as to help Kristy and her family. Chicken Express has donated the iced tea for the event.
At the park, the organizers will “pass the hat,” and all donations will be presented to Kristy then.
To help out or for more information, call Julia Graves at 254-212-9147.
Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
Top photo: Kristy Brinegar, right, and her sister Cathy Ake pose for a picture recently. (Courtesy photo)
