BIG BIKES FOR LITTLE TIKES
Ridin' For a Reason for THIRTY Years!
Join us on Saturday May 16th at Great River Harley-Davidson to kick off the 30th Big Bikes for Little Tikes. Each year we ride for a child who's spent way too much time in the hospital. With your help, we can make BIG THINGS happen for local kids & families. Sometimes, as in this case for the Lovelace family, we can help to fund greatly needed medical equipment that is NOT COVERED by health insurance. <-- (that sucks)
Tucker Lovelace is a loving and resilient 9-year-old who lives in Viroqua, with his parents, Adam & Anne Lovelace, his sister Adalene, and brother Elliott. Tucker attends Viroqua Area Schools, where he is surrounded by a caring team of educators and therapists who support his learning, communication, and daily needs.
Tucker is a medically complex child. Diagnosed at 6 months with 15q duplication syndrome, a rare genetic condition with significant developmental delays and medical challenges. Tucker also has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that causes multiple types of seizures each day. To help manage his seizures, Tucker takes several anti-epileptic medications and had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) implanted in his chest to help reduce seizure activity and a G-tube placed, for administering medications and fluids.
Tucker has hypotonia, or low muscle tone, which affects Tucker’s strength, mobility, and respiratory function. To support his development, Tucker participates in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, where he works hard to build strength and develop new skills.
Although Tucker is non-verbal, he communicates using an eye-gaze board, when he wants to share thoughts or make choices. Tucker finds joy in being in water, watching “Bluey”, and playing with toys that light up. He also enjoys music, snuggling, and holding hands with those around him.
The Lovelace family wish is to secure a specialized bed (Beds by George $15000+) designed for better sleep, padded sides and side rails for safety during seizures and to prevent falls. Unfortunately, these beds are not covered in the State of Wisconsin. This expensive and necessary piece of equipment would give him comfort, an alert system for when he is at risk of medical distress or seizures, and better peace of mind for his family.
Join us on Saturday May 16th as we ride for Tucker. It'll be a most excellent ride. For a really awesome kid.
If you can't make it, or don't ride you can still make a donation or join us at the post-ride party at Features in Holmen later on that afternoon. We'd love to see you!
-Brian, Jean, Puck, and Bags
95-7 The Rock
There are multiple ways to help
But the two easiest ways are to join us for the ride, or make a cash donation
THE APRIL CARRIER AGENCY – FARMERS INSURANCE
NORTHERN ENGRAVING CORPORATION
LUKE’S REPAIR, LLC. – ROLLINGSTONE, MN