By Stacey Tinsley, stinsley@bossierpress.com
Children’s Miracle Network hosted its second annual Miracle Bicycle Tour on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Haughton High School with 14, 28, 42, 64 mile routes and a 5-mile family fun ride.
Funds raised by the event help local kids at the 17 Children’s Miracle Network Hospital programs at CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier.
Children and families who benefit from events like these were present to not only thank the racers for participating but to show their support.
Dynasty Roberson Manning, a mother of two special needs children came to Saturday’s event to thank everyone for supporting her and her children.
“Children’s Miracle Network helps all children, not just my children. There are several children who need help with walking, talking, and motor skills. With them raising money, this can help the kids clinic to get what that they need,” she said.
Some of the items that have been purchased include NicView cameras that link to smartphones, tablets with secure connection for parents to see their newborns at anytime, warmer beds for The Birth Place, new pediatric Bioness system that assists kids in the CHRISTUS Kids Clinic during pediatric physical therapy, developmentally appropriate toys for children in the Teen Mom Program, and new equipment for CHRISTUS Kids.
Another parent who came to Saturday’s event to show support was Donna Dunn. Donna is the mother of Hunter, who has spinal bifida.
“Without Children’s Miracle Network and the Kids Clinic, I don’t know if Hunter would be on his feet today. I am thrilled to be here today to see the cyclists and I’m thrilled to see how much love and support the community gives to these kids and parents like me,” said Dunn. “The generosity of people wanting to open their pocketbooks so these kids can have the best quality of life is amazing to me.”
Jordan Harris, marketing/PR coordinator for CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier, explained the Miracle Tour was created as the signature fundraiser for the 17 Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Program.
“We saw the growing trend in cyclists in the area and how passionate they are about their sport and giving back to local kids.”
Riders who raised funds received great incentives including a 2018 Miracle Tour jersey and the chance to win prizes. Every dollar raised stays local to support the CMN Hospital programs and the local kids they serve.
Cyclist Sandra Germany said, “Today was special. It’s always special when it’s for a good cause and there is no better cause than children.”
Around 200 cyclist participated in the second annual Children’s Miracle Network bicycle tour.
