If you know someone who is suffering from hepatitis C, colon cancer, digestive, liver or nutritional diseases, then you also know these diseases and disorders can take away from a rich, full life. In 1997, a group of concerned Chicago-area residents came together to improve the quality of life for family members, friends, neighbors and business associates who are afflicted by these diseases. They formed a volunteer organization called the Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease (GILD) Council, whose activities directly support the work of faculty physicians at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago

The University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago ranks among our nation's leading academic medical centers. More than 500 highly-trained physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Illinois residents and visitors from around the world. Patients benefit from treatment, education, and research advancements developed at the medical college, hospital and clinics. Its physicians manage more than 400,000 annual patient visits, offering care that is comprehensive, compassionate and affordable. Faculty are engaged in biomedical research that is state-of-the-art and innovative. Medical students and residents learn from physicians who have experience treating the most challenging and complex illnesses. The University of Illinois Medical Center offers a higher level of care in everything they do.

Physicians in its Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition and Section of Hepatology have made the University of Illinois the preferred medical center for high-quality patient care and education in digestive, liver and nutritional diseases. They offer comprehensive patient care through integrated teams of primary care physicians and specialists in gastroenterology, oncology, radiology and imaging, organ transplantation and surgery. Patient care is complemented by the benefits of pioneering research, translated directly into prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic treatments of these diseases.

Over the last 10 years, state budget cuts have dramatically decreased state funding for the UIC's Digestive Disease and Liver Center. With the help of individuals, corporations and organizations, the GILD Council aims to establish the Chicago Green Ribbon Motorcycle Rally as a fundraising tradition at UIC.

In the first-ever warm-weather Chicago motorcycle rally held in the heart of the west loop entertainment district, motorcycle enthusiasts gathered from all corners of the Chicagoland area to display their prized machines and enjoy live music, food, family entertainment, contests and a celebrity appearance by Cheer's star, George Wendt.

In 2004, more than 1000 riders attended the Chicago Green Ribbon Motorcycle Rally, which raised over $50,000 for the UIC Medical Center. Riders displayed more than 800 motorcycles and several groups participated, including the Latin American Motorcycle Association and Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.

Pioneering this new tradition in fundraising, GILD Committee Member Steve Wendt is the motivating force behind this unique event. He organized the rally on behalf of his son, Stephen, a career Army officer who served in the Gulf War. Stephen was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer in 1997. After undergoing a number of treatments including a live liver transplant, Stephen passed away in 2002.

After seeking treatment options nationwide, Steve's family was moved by the sophisticated and compassionate care offered at the UIC Medical Center. Because of his family's positive experience with UIC while dealing with his son's illness, Steve realized what an invaluable resource he had right in his own backyard.

In fact, the quality of treatment made such a strong impression that Steve Wendt and the GILD Council worked tirelessly over a period of seven years, lobbying the City of Chicago and several sponsors to make the Inaugural Green Ribbon Rally a success. By establishing a solid foundation in its first year, the event hopes to attract an increasing number of motorcycle enthusiasts and families in the years to come.