Blessing of motorcycles benefits leukemia victim

YOUNGSTOWN — After hearing that Angello Astorga’s leukemia had returned, it didn’t take Bobby Arroyo long to swing into high gear to help.

Arroyo, president of the local chapter of the Latin American Motorcycle Association, rode with more than a dozen chapter members into Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday to take part in a motorcycle blessing fundraiser. The event was geared toward raising money to help defray some of the medical expenses associated with a bone marrow transplant 15-year-old Angello will need.

“We felt an affinity to the church and wanted to help,” in part because Angello is a member. “We participate in community activism,” Arroyo said.

Kicking off the 15-minute blessing, conducted in the church’s parking lot by the Rev. David Weikart of St. Christine Church in Cornersburg, was a Bible reading and prayer. Shortly afterward, cyclists drove slowly past the church, 810 Oak St., where the Rev. Mr. Weikart blessed them with holy water, before returning for a brunch in the cafeteria.