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A charity bike ride raised thousands of dollars Saturday for an outreach of the Children's Hospital NICU. Hands of Hope helps parents cope with the death of an infant.
CBS 42's Mike McClanahan rode along as Grand Marshall of the event, and got a roadside look at the Angel Ride and the little lives it memorializes.
The Pinson area Chrome Cross Cruisers chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association orchestrated the Angel Ride to help the Hands of Hope program which relies solely on donations.
Julie Faught and another nurse started the program 8 years ago at the natal intensive care unit in Children's Hospital. Faught said they create mementos and keep in touch with parents who lose children at a very young age.
"We get comments like you've helped me keep my child alive, these pictures helped me bond with my child, because many of these families have never gotten to hold their infants, never gotten to see their babies without tubes," said Julie Faught.
Even the fear of rain did not deter big hearted bikers from revving up their engines for a good cause.
Christian Motorcyclist Association member and organizer Hubert Underwood said he was blown away by the response for the first Angel Ride.
"I know Julie and I asked her is there something we could do for Children's Hospital? And she said, 'Sure.' We've been working on this thing for about three months and the CMA's just loving it," said Hubert Underwood.
After registering at
New
Covenant
Fellowship
Church on Pinson Valley Parkway more than 100 Angel Riders headed for Children's Hospital to present the proceeds. Dozens of motorcycles lined the main entrance upon arrival.
Our cameras were not allowed in the NICU, but CBS 42 and many bikers were granted a tour of the unit that cares for some of
Alabama 's most fragile lives.
Saturday, one mother who knows how delicate life really is shared her story about the Children's Hospital NICU support program. Leslie Hollingsworth reflected on the 6 months her son spent in the unit and the comfort that Hands of Hope brought her family after his passing.
"They gave us a box a memory box where we were able to put his footprints in. And on Mother's Day I received a ring that I wear around my neck here, a baby ring, that they gave to us. And they also send us cards, on Mother's Day, on his birthday"...."this is just a very special program and a great hospital," said Leslie Hollingsworth.
Organizers said the Angel Ride raised more than $4,000 for Hands of Hope. They plan to make it a yearly event.
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