Centered on Seth

Seth Ramsey, a 6-year-old boy fighting for his life, was the center of attention Sunday in Weeks Park in Lydia during a benefit poker run for the Iberia Parish resident.

Ramsey was diagnosed with FSGS, an incurable form of kidney failure, in 2002 and had both kidneys removed in January. Family members organized the fundraiser which included the ever-popular poker run for motorcycles. The trips took the motorcycle riders through the scenic areas around New Iberia, Jeanerette, Baldwin, Cypremort Point and Lydia.

Ramsey’s grandmother said the event featured a silent auction and a live auction with almost 50 prizes donated by people and businesses around the area. Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal served as the auctioneer and several bidders returned the prize so that it could be sold again. The top three winners of the poker run Michelle Romero, Thomas Lasalle and Dave Heming also donated their winnings back to the fund.

One of the bikers participating, James Romero, brought one of his prized collectibles and gave it to Seth during the event. The young man’s eyes lit up when he saw the radio-controlled, West Coast Choppers El Diablo. Romero’s wife, Dianna, said he purchased the motorcycle 10 years ago and never opened it.

“He has had it for so long and never opened it. But he wanted to give it to Seth,” she said.