The Tae Kwon Do school he founded will host a kickathon fundraiser today to raise money for Dave Burns, a Selinsgrove man who has been fighting cancer.

Burns retired as master of Burns School of Tae Kown Do in 2005. The school, now led by Nathan Morgan, will host the kickathon, but participants from two other Central Pennsylvania martial arts schools — Eaton Academy in Danville and Spotts School of Tae Kwon Do in Elizabethville — are expected to be heavily-involved, as well.

Burns was first diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia — characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells — in the early ‘90s. Throughout that experience he received two bone marrow transplants. He was healthy once the transplants were completed.

He remained healthy until Aug. 10 when he learned that his cancer had returned. Burns is now awaiting word about whether he will undergo his third bone marrow transplant, a procedure that could end up costing more than $100,000.

The kickathon, beginning at 11:30 a.m., will be a reunion, of sorts. Master Doug Eaton of Eaton Academy and Morgan both trained under Burns. Chad Spotts began his training under Morgan.

The three schools, combined, have an enrollment of about 200 students, Morgan said.

Martial artists from all over Pennsylvania have been invited though.

“I have no clue how many people will show up,” Morgan said. “I am hoping for a huge turnout.”

In the kickathon, martial artists get pledges and then perform in 10-minute segments. In addition to the kickathon, there will also be food for sale at the event, Morgan said. The public is welcome to attend the kickathon and donations can be made at the event or at Northumberland National Bank for the Dave Burns Transplant Fund, 87 Lori Lane, Hummels Wharf, PA 17831.