Each year, parents of over 15,000 children will hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” On average, about 43 children are diagnosed with cancer every day and the average age is six years old. Over 40,000 children undergo treatment for cancer each year, so a local motorcycle club is intervening.
On Saturday, April 21, the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club set out to take down pediatric cancer. The Iron Pigs is a nonprofit motorcycle club for law-enforcement officers and firefighters. The club got its start with cancer fundraising back in 2013 when an Iron Pig brother received news that his sister had been diagnosed with brain cancer.
More than 200 motorcycle engines revved for the cause. The Iron Pigs rode from Nemours Children’s Hospital in the heart of Lake Nona to Ace Café in downtown Orlando as a fundraiser to help offset the medical costs and ensure kids receive the best medical treatment possible. This was their fifth annual drive against cancer. Nonahood News was one of several sponsors for the ride and was lucky to ride along.
The ride began as the Pigs took over Lake Nona. We passed local “landmarks” such as the newly-opened DriveShack and made our way toward Narcoossee Road. Making our way through the scenic route, we ended up in St. Cloud and even Kissimmee before we came back down Boggy Creek Road and passed what will soon open as the Amazon Fulfillment Center. The Iron Pigs rallied as the flood gates opened and our sunny Florida turned into our spring rainstorms. Not a single rider hesitated. They were ready for this ride, and no amount of rain or inclement weather would stand in their way. The club’s website states, “These kids fight the battle day in and day out, rain or shine.”
Tons of bystanders watched as the Pigs rode by, cellphones in hand recording video and all. Some waved, and others encouraged us to rev our engines. The Pigs happily obliged. It never ceases to amaze me at how motorcades bring people out of their homes and vehicles to a halt so that everyone can watch in awe.
After about two hours, the ride reached its destination at Ace Café Orlando. Riders mingled over food and drinks as the auction for several items commenced. Over $33,000 was raised from this ride.
Anyone interested in donating can visit http://nonahood.to/gofundme and http://nonahood.to/PayPal to help the Iron Pigs meet their goal. You can also visit www.ironpigsorlando.com for more information about the club.
