Hundreds of motorcycles arrived at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital on Nov. 11, their riders bearing gifts and donations that brought smiles to the hospital’s residents. For 28 years the One More From the Heart Bike Run has been organized with heartfelt compassion by community volunteers in support of Totally Kids and the Kids 4 Ever House.
The event began in 1990 as a small motorcycle run for donating toys to the hospital’s subacute residents. It has grown into a huge event raising thousands of dollars each year. This year more than 300 bikers participated, delivering gifts and spending time with the children by reading, coloring or playing with blocks.
“The generosity we see each year is just incredible,” said Pauline Hennessy, vice president of child development, education and rehabilitation services at Totally Kids. “Participants bring toys, clothing and electronics. Our multipurpose room is filled with donated items. The money they donate allows us to buy items for the kids that aren’t covered by insurance and funds outings for our residents to Disneyland and other places. Past donations helped us remodel the children’s play area.”
The run began at Chopper Place in Riverside at 9:30 a.m. and arrived at Totally Kids in Loma Linda at 10:45. By 11 a.m. the entire parking lot was filled with motorcycles. “This run is all about the kids,” said event organizer Honda Ray. “There are no sign-in fees, run pins, T-shirts or celebrities. It is just a nice thing to do.”
One More From the Heart makes a huge difference in the lives of Totally Kids residents and families who stay at the Kids 4 Ever House.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who helped make this another successful event,” said Hennessey.
Serving children and their families for nearly 50 years, Totally Kids is regarded as a national leader in providing personalized rehabilitation and habilitation services for children with a family-centered emphasis. Totally Kids offers a full array of resources for children who are recovering from physical trauma or surgery, or have suffered catastrophic illness, and those dependent on technology through a portfolio of acclaimed programs and services that includes acute pediatric rehabilitation (both inpatient and outpatient), subacute, pediatric day health and residential intermediate care.
The Kids 4 Ever House is a three-bedroom home located next door to Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. For a nominal fee, the house gives parents a place to stay for a few nights so they can be close to their children who are receiving care and treatment at Totally Kids.
To learn more, visit TotallyKids.com and Kids4Ever.org.