Brooklyn, N.Y., July 12—The third annual Aidan’s Ride Sturgis, a charity motorcycle ride organized to fight ALD, will take place Tuesday, August 8, 2017, during the 77th anniversary of the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Last year, 75 riders participated, raising over $6,000 for the Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation, and organizers expect an even bigger turnout this time around.
“We were so happy with the response and support we received,” said Elisa Seeger, Aidan’s mother and founder of the foundation. “This is another great step in our journey and mission to educate people about ALD, push for newborn screening in all 50 states and hopefully save families from enduring what ours did.”
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an inherited x-linked genetic disease that affects all neurological functions and reduces those afflicted with it to a vegetative state that persists until death. Aidan Jack Seeger was just six years old when he was diagnosed with ALD in 2011. He succumbed to the disease in April of 2012. Had he been diagnosed at birth, he could have undergone treatment that would have arrested the disease and allowed him to live a full life.
Held to benefit the Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation, which was established in Aidan’s honor, Aidan’s Ride Sturgis seeks to raise funds for the purpose of helping families with children diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, heightening awareness about ALD and pushing for legislation in every state that mandates screening of newborns for the disease.
New York started the process of ALD Newborn Screening thanks to Aidan’s Law, passed by the state legislature in the wake of Aidan’s tragic and untimely death. As of May 2017, over 800,000 newborns have been screened in New York and 62 babies have tested positive for disease. Thanks to early detection, these children are undergoing treatment that will allow them to live full lives.
We are grateful that through the foundation’s efforts 5 states are now testing for ALD: New York, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Our work is not done: A child’s life should NOT depend on their zip code, our hope and our efforts will continue until all 50 states are testing their babies for ALD.
The third annual Aidan’s Ride Sturgis will be 70-miles long and start at Sturgis Guns, then wind through Vanocker Canyon in the Black Hills, stop for brunch at Murphy’s Pub in Rapid City, SD, and end at up at The Buffalo Chip, Sportster Show where organizers will hold their charity raffle.
The ride is presented by Geico Motorcycle Insurance and is made possible by generous support from Hot Leathers, The Buffalo Chip, Rise Above Consulting, Sturgis Guns, Bell Helmets, Genuine Motor Works and Indian Larry Motorcycles.
Tickets are $35 per rider or $60 for passenger and rider. Buy Tickets online here.
