Born To Ride News

Harley-Davidson has been a sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) since 1980 helping find a cure for the more than 40 muscular diseases covered by the MDA. Harley riders participate in Harley Day “at MDA summer camps and in various fund-raisers for the MDA. In 2007, the Charlotte Chapter of the MDA held their inaugural Black Tie and Blue Jeans Harley-Davidson themed fund-raiser with all proceeds going to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease). Attendees were treated to an evening of food and fun (including photos taken on a new Harley), temporary tattoos, a silent auction and a live auction that featured a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

My connection with the MDA began after I was fortunate enough to retire in 1997 to pursue a second career as nature and wildlife photographer and writer. A year later, I was diagnosed with ALS and found hope and support at the Charlotte Neurological and ALS/MDA clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. I continued with my photography and writing on a much-reduced schedule and changed my focus to using it to raise awareness for ALS.

My illness has progressed to the point where I cannot speak clearly and cannot walk without assistance. I get around primarily with a wheelchair and, right now, there is no way I can ride a motorcycle. My goal is to, one day, walk away from my wheelchair and ride a Harley by myself.

When Sarah Hayden, Health Care Service Coordinator for the Charlotte MDA, asked me to present some of my photography and humor at the Inaugural Charlotte Black and Blue Gala, I was delighted to agree to do it! My presentation was in two parts: a humorous, silent slide show and a movie using my photography to raise awareness for ALS. Both are designed to educate about ALS and its devastating effect upon the patient. Presenting my work against a backdrop of Harley-Davidson motorcycles demonstrated the partnership between Harley-Davidson and the MDA.

Every time Harley riders have a poker run or other fund-raiser for the MDA, the money raised goes to patient services and/or research to find a cure. More importantly, every time the motorcycles show up at summer camp or raise money for the MDA, you give every one of the patients living with one of the 40 muscular dystrophies that most precious commodity hope! One day, with the continued support of Harley Davidson and the Harley owners, every muscular dystrophy patient will be able to ride a Harley!

Make sure to send your wishes to www.mda.org