Grind for Life skateboarders help raise money for cancer patients

The Grind for Life Series brought 130 skateboarders from around Florida to Bradenton Riverwalk Skatepark this weekend and helped raise expense money for cancer patients who have to travel long distances for treatment.

Mike Rogers, a sarcoma cancer suvivor, provided the inspiration for the benefit.

He beat cancer as a pre-teen and again 25 years later, when he endured a 17-hour surgery for a cranial-facial resection with brain lift, removal of an eye, half the roof of his mouth, and some of his teeth.

Despite the complexity and severity of his surgery, Rogers took part in the competition, and seemed healthy and upbeat.

“It’s one of the best courses in Florida,” Rogers said of Bradenton Riverwalk Skatepark.

The Grind for Life Series has no counterpart in skateboarding, he said. Rogers founded Grind for Life in 2003.

The tourney brought skaters of all ages and skill levels to Bradenton. The oldest was Garrett Coleman, 44, of New Smyrna Beach.

This story was originally published October 2, 2016 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Grind for Life skateboarders help raise money for cancer patients."