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Muskegon veteran with cancer honored with motorcycle parade

Posted at 3:43 PM, Jul 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-28 22:34:43-04

MUSKEGON, Mich. - A Vietnam veteran is got the surprise of a lifetime Friday from motorcycle clubs from all over the state.

Wayne Whisler is battling stage four lung cancer, and is in hospice care at Hill Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation.  His dying wish was to go on a cross-country motorcycle trip.

He's unable to go because of his condition, but on Friday dozens of strangers brought the journey to him.  He was honored with a party and motorcycle parade and a surprise pinning ceremony.

It all started with a Facebook post asking bikers to come show their support.  That post received nearly 1,000 shares.  Hundreds of bikers showed up from all over Michigan and lined up to shake Whisler's hand.

"It's got my heart," said Katie Colburn, director of nursing at Hill Crest. "And to see these people, that's what it's all about.  I love everybody here, we all love everybody in here as if they're our own family.  That's how we roll here."