Pocono News Section

Bikers Come Together to Help DUI Crash Victim

Bikers Come Together to Help DUI Crash Victim - Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 7:23PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday, Jul 25, 2009 @ 07:23pm EST
BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY- People came together Saturday in Columbia County to help out one of their own. Dozens of bikers came together for a poker run in Berwick. They were all there to help out a man who lost his leg after being hit by a drunk driver.

The sound of motorcycles filled the air in Berwick Saturday. All of these riders hopped on their hogs to help out Keith Harter, who was hit by a drunk driver several years ago while he was on his motorcycle.

Harter lost his leg. ÒI cannot thank everybody enough. Holy cow. The people at Geisinger, the doctors, the nurses," he said.

The poker run was put together by the staff at Bandit's Roadhouse. This is the fifth year they've sponsored a ride to help someone in the community. Matt Rishkofski, Owner of Bandit's Roadhouse, said, ÒHe's the first guy to sign up when somebody else needs help, so this time he needs a little help, so we're here to help him out."

Friends, family and even strangers turned out for the weekend event. KeithÕs brother Brad said, ÒItÕs touching. ItÕs incredible. The whole community, from day one. I've made so many new friends, because of the friends he had that I didn't know."

ÒMost of these riders give back to the community hand over fist. They bend over backwards to help people out, and thatÕs basically what we do," added Rishkofski.

Harter's road to full recovery is expected to be a long one. He doesn't even remember the accident. All he remembers is waking up in the hospital weeks later. ÒI don't remember nothing. Washing the bike in the morning. Taking off. That was it. Waking up with no leg. Lost a spleen, torn aeorta," he said.

Family friend Amy Melchiorre said, ÒIt was horrible. You hate when something horrible happens to such a good person. It was horrible, horrible."

Organizers say they hoped to raise between $2,000 and $3,000 from Saturday's Poker Run in Columbia County.