VIDEO: Ridin’ for Kids Foundation raises more than $118K for local boy’s robotic walking legs

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Emerson has KIF1A syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects his mobility and development.

Ashton Wikkerink said the condition has left him with significant vision, mobility and developmental challenges, while recently learning that his hips are 30 per cent out of alignment, and they hope the robotic legs will improve his mobility enough to help avoid surgery.

“We’re really hoping now that with these robotic legs that we don’t have to do that surgery anymore,” Ashton said.

“We’re really hoping just that he can get moving, and with the circulation too, that’s going to help with his legs not going blue and purple all the time because of just poor blood flow.”

The fundraiser, held annually over Father’s Day weekend, features a charity motorcycle ride beginning in Irvine before travelling through Bow Island, Hays and Redcliff, ending in Medicine Hat with silent and live auctions.

Organizers also spend months collecting donations from businesses and residents across southeastern Alberta.

Foundation founder Ivan Reimer said the generosity shown by the community continues to exceed expectations.

“I never for a second thought that we could break last year’s numbers, and then we absolutely blew it out of the park again this year,” Reimer said.

Reimer said the fundraiser is about more than raising money.

“The emotions that go with it are so incredibly deep,” Reimer said.

“Being able to see these people, being able to call them family. Once you become a Ridin’ for Kids family, you don’t get left behind, and they can count on us, wherever, whenever, from here on out.”

For Ashton Wikkerink, the support has been as meaningful as the donation itself.

“When we got that initial phone call from Ivan, it was very overwhelming just to know that there’s other people that want to be in our corner to support us,” Ashton said.

Ashton said the family has received overwhelming support from Medicine Hat and neighbouring communities.

“The Medicine Hat community has been a big support,” Wikkerink said.

“They picked it up, they just brought us right in their arms and made us feel like family.”

The foundation said the record-breaking fundraiser would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, riders, donors and local businesses, whose contributions will help Emerson gain greater independence while easing some of the financial burden on his family.

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READ: Southeast Alberta charity motorcycle ride to help 4-year-old boy from Bow Island with K1F1A syndrome

by Jett Schwaier

VIDEO: Ridin’ for Kids Foundation raises more than $118K for local boy’s robotic walking legs

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