On Sunday July 19th, the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association held an appreciation dinner for the Cleveland County Independent Bikers Club at the Biker's Clubhouse. The dinner was given to honor the club for its support of the Kidney Association and the victims of kidney disease it represents. The meal was donated and prepared by the volunteers of the Kidney Association
CCIB has just completed its eleventh annual Susan Renee Ledford Memorial Rally and Poker Run. A check in the amount of $14,705.42 was presented to CRKA by the club, easily surpassing their goal of $10,000.
"This is absolutely awesome", said Michelle Hoyle, CRKA Executive Director. "This event just keeps growing, year after year. Can you imagine how many gallons of gas that will buy for our dialysis van? Or how many bottles of medicine that money can provide?"
The Association provides transportation to and from the dialysis clinics for victims of kidney failure who have no other means of getting to treatment. It also helps with the tremendous cost of medicines all dialysis patients require, particularly anti-rejection medicine for transplant recipients.
"What we would like for people to know is even though this rally is one of our biggest fund-raisers, it is not the only thing the CCIB bikers do to help us." Hoyle adds, "For years they have helped us with all kinds of events. Any time we have a special need, we know we can call on these folks. They are always there."
"We are not the only organization this club is involved with. You should see their calendar of events!" says Hoyle.
"Over the years, it would be impossible to estimate the number of lives the CCIB has impacted, and in our case, how many lives have actually been saved, says Hoyle. "No dinner, no award, or no words, can ever express the heart-felt thanks and appreciation of the CRKA and the patients we serve for the generosity and caring concern of this group of extraordinary people."
Hoyle adds that as a sister of Susan Renee Ledford, she along with Renee's mother Margaret and her father, Ray, feel a special bond with CCIB. The club elected several years ago to name the rally and poker run in memory of Renee in honor of her life-time of dedication and service to the victims of kidney failure. Renee helped to found the Association and served as patient advocate, education coordinator, coordinator of volunteer services, and counselor for families and patients. She knew the patient's names as well as their families, medical histories and needs.
Renee loved the guys and girls of CCIB. She knew most of them by name and knew their families. Her family is grateful for the honor the club as bestowed on her and is appreciative of the esteem the club members felt for her.
Provided by CRKA