Sep 9, 2016 By Jon Stevens, For The Greene County Messenger 2 min read

WAYNESBURG — A bike/poker run is scheduled Sept. 17 for 55-year-old Scott Barnes of Graysville, a terminal cancer patient who once played for the Butch Barnes & the Outlawed Country Band.

The benefit bike run is sponsored by the Waynesburg Fraternal Order of Eagles 598 Eagle Riders. Registration will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the ride will begin at noon. The cost is $20 per driver and $10 per passenger.

The event also will include a 50/50 raffle, a Chinese auction and T-shirts will be sold for $15 in sizes small to large, and $18 for bigger sizes.

Barnes was diagnosed with squamous cell head and neck laryngeal cancer in May 2015. He underwent seven weeks of radiation treatment in hope of shrinking the tumor so he could have surgery.

“Sadly to say it did not work. The Pet Scan showed that it was still large and spreading to the base of his skull,” said Sharmon Barnes, Scott Barnes’ sister-in-law. “At this point the doctor told us it was terminal and he could have chemotherapy for a better quality of life. He did chemo for several months but because it affected his mouth he isn’t able to eat,” she said.

Barnes was put on a feeding tube, which has been changed seven times because it leaks. Barnes said Scott has been in Hospice care for three weeks. “At least they are keeping him comfortable,” Sharmon Barnes said.

She also said Scott is on disability and collects less than $800 a month. His wife is also on disability and has been unable to work for several years because of several back surgeries.

Right now, he and his wife have more than $40,000 in medical bills, plus house and car payments. A former carpenter and contractor, Barnes is the father of two adult children and two grandchildren.

Sharmon Barnes said she is in the process of setting up a cancer fund at PNC Bank. Additionally, anyone can make a contribution by writing a check payable to the Waynesburg F.O.E. 598, with Eagle Riders in the memo space.

Contact any member of the Waynesburg Eagle Riders for further information.