Ailing local boy captures cross country runner's attention

Noah Coughlan had never heard of 14-year-old Berlin Heights resident Asher Nikolajevs -- until the 27-year-old California resident ran across the country in support of Batten Disease.

Coughlan, of Vacaville, Calif., just completed the run -- all 2,400 miles, from San Diego, Calif. to Jacksonville Beach, Fla., where he ended up July 9 -- this past Saturday. Coughlan began his journey on Feb. 28.

This coming Saturday, he will travel again -- to Monroeville, in order to attend Asher Bash 2011, a benefit for the boy suffering from Batten Disease, a fatal disease in which brain cells deteriorate. Asher's mother, Leisa, said her family will present Coughlan with a medal.

The 2011 Asher Bash will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at Roeder Racing & Service, 3684 U.S. 20 W., Monroevile. The event will begin with a motorcycle run, with the first bike out at 10 a.m. Riders can begin registering at 9. A concert will begin at 2 p.m., with Bootless Joe, Dan Fester, The Sloppy Joe Band as well as Eddie Brunswick & The Hotrod Lincolns. Also, racer Chris Streeter from the Lake Erie Racing team will bring his drag bike for display. Also scheduled area a Texas Hold Em' tournament at 3:30 p.m. (registration at 2:30) and auctions, with prizes including furniture and Indians tickets.

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