Custom Chopper In The Works To Support Pink-Surance

There's something in the works at at the corner of Killingly Street and Oakdale Avenue — the family-owned custom motorcycle shop has begun work on a theme chopper to benefit , the nonprofit organization founded by Johnston resident Marissa Levesque.

The goal of Pink-Surance is to raise funds that will help women pay for cancer screening tests that are not covered by medical insurance, and to raise awareness of the genetic mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that cause breast cancer.

Providing women with the means to get the tests can empower them to make the decision to "pre-vive," Levesque explained — undergoing surgery early, instead of facing years of painful chemotherapy and other measures later.

This year, Levesque is organizing a motorcycle and car show on May 29 at Johnston Memorial Park, with ACI's custom Pink-Surance chopper sure to be a main attraction.

And though the aim of her organization is a serious one, Levesque said the creation of the motorcycle is in line with her view of what Pink-Surance should be.

"I just want it to be fun and exciting," Levesque explained, "and not what you think of when you think of a charity."

The accompanying video, taken on March 22, shows the early stages of the planning and construction of the Pink-Surance motorcycle, including a tank design meeting with Anthony Ferranti Sr., owner of ACI Customs, and airbrush artist Anthony Osorio; a view of the electronics by Vic Woods; and a description of the handmade leather seat by Anthony Sr.

As construction continues, watch JohnstonPatch for updates and more information about the May 29 bike run.

To view the video, click "View Gallery" on the thumbnail to the right.