Become a Miracle Rider and make miracles happen for Riley Hospital patients
Miracle Ride benefiting Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health is the largest and longest running motorcycle charity event in Indiana – potentially throughout the United States. Now celebrating 21 years, Miracle Ride has become an annual tradition for nearly 5,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and Riley Hospital advocates.
Registration is available on MiracleRide.net to become a Miracle Rider to bring hope to families seeking help for seriously ill and injured children; help that only Riley Hospital for Children can provide.
For a minimum $50 per person donation, participants receive access to Lucas Oil Raceway for entertainment on May 31-June 1; one-of-six Poker Runs held on May 31; the signature “Big Ride” on June 1; and the chance to win major prizes including motorcycles and race tickets. Participants may create personal online fundraising pages or purchase Riley Hospital for Children motorcycle license plates.
In the past 20 years, nearly $4.1 million has been raised by Miracle Ride Foundation to support Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana’s only nationally ranked and comprehensive children’s hospital.
“Miracle Ride Foundation is a long-time friend and partner to Riley Hospital, children and Riley Children’s Foundation. We see the impact on the lives of children throughout the hospital as a result of the remarkable effort and generosity of Miracle Ride sponsors and participants. We are deeply grateful for their concern and support,” said Kevin O’Keefe, president and CEO, Riley Children’s Foundation.
2014 Miracle Ride Schedule of Events
May 31 – June 1
Saturday’s Poker Runs and Sunday’s “Big Ride” conclude at Lucas Oil Raceway (10267 E. US Highway 136, Indianapolis, IN 46234). Entertainment includes vendors, live music, bike shows, a motorcycle stunt show on June 1, and giveaways.
Saturday, May 31 – Poker Run Information
Run 1: Harley-Davidson of Bloomington
· Contact: Carol or Jeff Stevens at 812-333-8300
· 2013: 280 Miracle Riders, $47,991 raised for Riley Hospital for Children
Run 2: Mann’s Harley-Davidson, Edinburgh
· Contact: Julie Mann at 812-526-3485
· 2013: 164 Miracle Riders, $9,956 raised for Riley Hospital for Children
Run 3: Benson MC/Harley-Davidson of Muncie
· Contact: Phil or Steve Benson at 765-288-1817
· 2013: 82 Miracle Riders, $7,913 raised for Riley Hospital for Children
Run 4: Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson, Indianapolis
· Contact: Kathy Schulteti at 317-885-5180
· 2013: 172 Miracle Riders, $13,628 raised for Riley Hospital for Children
Run 5: Calumet Harley-Davidson, Munster
· Contact: Chuck/Cindy Kreisl at 219-934-6366
· 2013: 453 Miracle Riders, $23,294 raised for Riley Hospital for Children
Run 6: Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis
· Contact: David Dellen at 317-815-1800
Sunday, June 1 – Miracle Ride’s signature “Big Ride”
Nearly 5,000 motorcyclists will gather at the Allison Transmission, Inc. south parking lot (4700 W. 10th St.; Indianapolis) starting at 8 a.m. to enjoy live music and celebrity speakers. The “Big Ride” will depart at 11 a.m., and the parade of motorcycles will stretch roughly 30 miles (route is available). Motorcyclists take a lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway and past Riley Hospital for Children, where patients and caregivers line the sidewalks waving signs of appreciation. The Ride will end at Lucas Oil Raceway.
Riley Hospital patients serve as Miracle Ride ambassadors
Emma Kendricks, 8, Greencastle – In April 2009, Emma was a happy, energetic 3 year old when it was discovered she has a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis (NF1). An inoperable tumor had grown on her brain stem. A shunt was inserted to drain the fluid off her brain. Symptoms returned in August of 2009 and the tumor grew. Chemotherapy treatment lasted 70 weeks ending on August 11, 2011. The tumor had not increased in size and everything appeared stable. At her March 2012 checkup it was discovered that the tumor had grown. The best form of treatment was 31 days of proton therapy radiation. At her January 2013 doctor visit the tumor was stable. Since then Emma has shown amazing strength and continues to amaze everyone. She is now walking, without braces whenever possible, and began kindergarten.
“There is no doubt in any of our minds that without Riley Hospital for Children, Emma would not be with us today. Her progress is amazing and she continues to fight! We want to make sure other children like Emma have the ability to receive the care and expertise that everyone at Riley Hospital for Children can provide,” said Chad Kendricks, Emma’s dad. “Our team has set a goal of $2,000 through Miracle Ride to provide funding for Riley Hospital for Children.”
Ethan Curran, 1, Avon
Ethan was born at 25 weeks gestation and was taken to the Riley Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) immediately and placed on a ventilator. He was discharged at 37 weeks. Today, Ethan is doing very well.
“During the entire three months we were at Riley every single person from doctors to the front desk staff and janitors were nothing but supportive and informative. Everyone took such wonderful care of our baby, but they also did such a wonderful job taking care of our family. I never felt too intimidated to ask questions or get involved. The NICU Family Support team and Child Life Specialists were incredible,” said Stephanie Curran, Ethan’s mom. “We are so grateful for the team in the Riley NICU who helped our baby.”
Jason and Stephanie Curran have raised $5,000 for Riley Hospital for Children and serve on the Miracle Ride committee.
About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 300,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Indiana University Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, visit RileyKids.org.
