Colby “Dawg” Jackson died last year from a previously undiagnosed cardiac disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, according to his wife.

“Although most people have never heard of this disease, it is responsible for more deaths annually than multiple sclerosis, asthma and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined,” Tara Jackson said. “It affects one in every 500 people.”

Tara says the disease is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young, otherwise healthy adults.

“As in Colby’s case, most people who have the disease have no signs or symptoms until they have their first heart attack, which most do not survive,” she said.

Colby left behind a wife and four young children — Cyrus, 11; Brody, 10; and 6-year-old twin girls Ryleigh and Kyleigh.

“Colby was a hard-working, adventurous and fun-loving man,” Tara said. “In his free time, he enjoyed West Virginia University Mountaineer and Pittsburgh Steelers football. He also liked to hunt, fish and ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. But most of all, Colby enjoyed being with his family. They were his life, his love and his reason for everything he did.”

Tara says Colby’s disease, also known as HCM, is inherited.

“It’s a genetic condition that is transmitted from one generation to the next without skipping generations,” she said. “Research shows that each child of a person with the disease has a 50 percent likelihood of also having the disease.”

In an effort to honor her husband’s memory and raise public awareness of HCM, Tara and her children have organized a memorial bike ride. The Colby “Dawg” Jackson Memorial Ride is scheduled for Aug. 30 in Hico at Adventures Mountain River.

Tara says all riders, including those who prefer to drive vehicles instead of motorcycles, will donate a ride fee.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will be donated to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association,” she said.

Riders will leave Adventures Mountain River, formerly known as Mountain River Tours, at 2 p.m. for a scenic ride with rest stops along the way, according to Tara.

“The ride will conclude at Adventures Mountain River with a cookout and outdoor entertainment and activities,” she said. “The cookout and activities will be family-oriented, and even those who don’t participate in the ride are encouraged to attend to enjoy good food and fun.”

One of the event’s larg-est sponsors, Montgo-mery General Hospital, will have representatives available to offer free blood pressure screenings and answer health-related questions, Tara added.

“There will also be literature and information available to promote awareness of HCM,” she said.

Tara says financial donations are also being accepted.

“A custom T-shirt will be given to all who participate in the ride,” she said. “We would also like to give door prizes during the cookout and activities after the ride.”

Tara said any goods or services individuals or businesses would like to contribute as prizes would also be accepted.

“Receipts will be issued by the HCMA for all financial contributions, which may be tax-deductible,” she said. “Also, letters of appreciation from the HCMA will be issued to all contributors and participants.”

Tara is hoping to make the ride an annual event.

“We want to continue to honor Colby’s memory,” she said. “Although Colby is gone, awareness and research may one day save the life of one of his children, or perhaps someone you know personally.”

For more information about the event or making donations, call Tara Jackson at 304-658-3152 or 304-640-4689.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com